The Buccaneers did not make it any easier for the Panthers on a day when the team hit a brick wall in terms of season momentum. Garcia completed 15-of-20 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown; numbers that do not justify how well he managed the game in his first game since losing the opener against the Saints.
The Bucs constantly looked like the more prepared team on Sunday, out-hustling and out-coaching the Panthers. The fact that the Panthers allowed 100 yards rushing for the first time this season perhaps sheds light on the way they played throughout the afternoon.
It seemed as though Carolina never fully recovered from the blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown at the start of the game. They never got into a rhythm on either side of the ball after that.
The loss marked the first loss for the Panthers in Raymond James Stadium since 2002—the year the NFC South was created. It was also just the second career loss for Delhomme against Tampa Bay, making his record 7-2 all-time against the Bucs.
The NFC South is now wide open heading into Week Seven. The Falcons pulled off a last-second victory against the Bears on Sunday afternoon to improve to 4-2 and grab a share of the division lead. The Bucs win over the Panthers put both teams at 4-2 and New Orleans is lurking in the shadows only one game back at 3-3.
The Falcons have their bye week in Week Seven while the Saints and Panthers will go at it in Charlotte. Tampa Bay hosts Seattle on Sunday Night Football as they try to build on this weekend’s victory.
With their second straight division game, Carolina will be in an interesting spot as they open up a two-game home stretch before their bye week in Week Nine. This could prove to be a wake-up call or the beginning of a disaster for the Panthers; only time will tell.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Carolina Panthers articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
6 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete