Panthers Key To Victory For Week Two: Run The Rock Down Tampa's Throat

We read every week here on B/R articles and opinions written about the QB play here in Carolina and whether or not Matt Moore should start over Jimmy Clausen.

That's all good. But when it comes to actually going out and winning a football game this week at home against Tampa Bay the man under center (whoever it is) should basically have two assignments...hand the ball off to DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart, and make some accurate throws on third down.

I am a firm believer that Tampa has done a really good job rebuilding their entire ball club. In my opinion, they have closed the gap considerably between themselves and Carolina. I can actually see Tampa winning seven or maybe even eight games in 2010.

However, I just don't think the Buccaneers has what it takes to stop Carolina's running game, and there are three reasons why.

1... I believe that the Carolina Panthers still have all the weapons in place to be a top five rushing football team in the NFL. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are special running backs. It is my opinion that the only team in the league that can stop Carolina's rushing attack is Carolina themselves. When Carolina ditches the run, they become a less than average offense.

2...Ronde Barber and Barrett Ruud are still Buccaneers....Who could ever forget how terrible these two were when Williams and Stewart ran for 301 yards against the Bucs in 2008. It seemed like every big run Williams or Stewart broke off against Tampa, Ruud or Barber were the ones getting run over.

3...The offensive line vs. Tampa's defensive line. It is just my opinion but I believe that the youth of Tampa's defensive line will be dominant in a year or two. Gerald McCoy, Brian Price, and Roy Miller in time will dominate the line of scrimmage...I just don't think it will happen this year. I think that the offensive line for Carolina can handle Tampa up front if given the opportunity.

So if you are out there reading this John Fox or Jeff Davidson, feed the rock to Williams and Stewart around sixty times Sunday and win yourselves a football game.