After an dreadful 0-5 start, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers return home to the friendly confines of Raymond James Stadium and face the team that began their demise in '08, the division rival Carolina Panthers.
With both teams entering the game at 9-3, Tampa Bay gave up 299 yards rushing and were crushed 38-23. The loss sent the Bucs into a tailspin they have yet to recover from.
The Panthers represent possibly the last chance the Bucs have to register a victory in 2009.
Look at the schedule if you dare. Where do you see the first win if not this week?
The Bucs will not be favored to win any of their remaining games. While parity makes "Any Given Sunday" more than a cliche, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have played poorly against good teams and bad teams alike.
There's little chance they'll find a victory against New England, New Orleans (twice), Atlanta (twice), or Carolina on the road.
They probably won't win against Green Bay, the Jets, or in Seattle.
So where does that leave you? This could be Raheem's last stand.
So can they do it against the 1-3 Carolina Panthers?
Series: Carolina leads the series 10-7, winning the last meeting 38-23.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Passing Attack against Carolina Panthers Pass Defense
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Johnson made a dramatic improvement from his first start against Washington to his second start against Philadelphia.
The Eagles blitzed Johnson on nearly every passing attempt, yet he played fairly well, tossing 240 yards and two touchdowns.
On the flipside, Johnson also had three interceptions and his wide receivers dropped six passes in the game.
Carolina comes in with the NFL's 2nd ranked pass defense in the league, but that may be more due to their porous run defense.
Advantage: Carolina
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Attack vs. Carolina Panthers Run Defense
One of the biggest losses this season has been the absence of starting center Jeff Faine for the Buccaneer's offense. Faine returns to the lineup for the Bucs, just in time to face the 30th ranked run defense in the NFL.
Running back Cadillac Williams will again look to establish a strong running attack while Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham look to give the Bucs the three-headed monster they once believed they would have.
Running the football is the key in this game for the Buccaneers. If Tampa Bay can get their running game on track behind Jeff Faine, the Bucs keep the pressure off of Johnson and give themselves a solid chance to win the game.
Advantage: Tampa Bay
Carolina Panthers Passing Game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pass Defense
Offense has a big time challenge for the Panthers. Averaging only 14 points a game, Carolina's entire package has struggled.
Jake Delhomme has been downright dreadful, throwing eight interceptions in his first four games and narrowly escaped being benched.
Steve Smith is still a dangerous weapon and the Buccaneers desperately need to keep the "Buc Killer" in check.
The Bucs pass defense continued to struggle against the deep ball against Philadelphia.
If the Bucs can avoid the big play against their defense, they might be able to force Delhomme into some turnovers.
Advantage: PUSH
Carolina Panthers Running Game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Run Defense
The last time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the Carolina Panthers, the Bucs gave up 299 yards rushing.
While DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart remain on the roster, this isn't the same Carolina offense.
The Panthers' offensive line simply hasn't been getting the job done.
The Bucs defense has been better against the run their last two games after weeks of struggling against the run and the pass.
If Tampa Bay can keep the dynamic duo of the Panthers in check, they can force the game into the hands of Delhomme.
Advantage: Push
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Special Teams vs. Carolina Panthers Special Teams
Bucs Head Coach Raheem Morris was so concerned about new kicker Shane Andrus, he went for it several times on fourth down during the game against the Eagles. The lack of point production came back to hurt the Bucs.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Tampa Bay Buccaneers articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
14 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete