Panthers-Bucs Report Card

QUARTERBACKS: F
Jake Delhomme didn’t look like himself out there, but his receivers didn’t help by dropping so many passes. He had a paltry 38.6 passer rating and threw three interceptions.

RUNNING BACKS: F
The backs didn’t have much room to run and didn’t do anything special to gain extra yards. They had 19 carries for 41 yards and the longest run was a 7-yarder. At least they didn’t fumble.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: F
Even though Steve Smith had a good statistical day (six catches for 112 yards), his drop of a likely touchdown pass in the final minute was one of several drops by the receivers. Tight end Dante Rosario had a game to forget.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D
At least the Panthers didn’t give up a sack. Considering they threw 39 times, that’s pretty impressive. But the run blocking wasn’t effective against an excellent Tampa defense. It must be noted that Carolina was without two starters, right tackle Jeff Otah and center Ryan Kalil (ankle injuries). Also, left tackle Jordan Gross was returning after a one-week absence due to a concussion and wasn’t at full strength because he was unable to exercise or practice for an entire week.

DEFENSIVE LINE: D
The pass rush was almost non-existent. The Panthers had no sacks and managed just two quarterback hurries on the stat sheet, one by Julius Peppers and the other by Charles Johnson. The line also got handled up front in the running game.

LINEBACKERS: D
Jon Beason had perhaps the best game of anyone on the team with 13 tackles, including one for a loss.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: D
The Panthers gave up three pass receptions of 22 yards or longer. That’s only two less than Tampa Bay had in the first five games combined.

SPECIAL TEAMS: F
Something has to give on the punt team. They’ve now given up three blocks this season, including two for touchdowns. That’s way past unacceptable.

COACHING: F
The Panthers looked lethargic, uninspired and ill-prepared. Though coach John Fox said the effort was good, the results didn’t show it. Tampa Bay dominated in every phase of the game.

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