Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have evolved into a power running offense. They might find the going tough against the Panthers defense which is only allowing 95.3 yards rushing per game and 3.8 yards per carry. But, the Bucs will pound away with Cadillac Williams (167 yards), Michael Pittman (80 yards) and Ernest Graham (88 yards) to set up the play action passing game. The Panthers pass defense has allowed 246.7 yards passing per game and they only have 2 sacks and 0 interceptions so far this season. The Panthers must know where Joey Galloway is at all times as he has already caught 13 passes for 249 yards (19.2 avg) with 2 TD grabs.
With the Panthers likely starting David Carr this week they will probably try to run a little more than they pass the ball on Sunday. The Bucs have had issues stopping the run this season as they are allowing 124.7 yards rushing per game and 4.0 ypc. With that in mind expect a heavy dose of DeShaun Foster (238 yards rushing, 5.2 ypc) and DeAngelo Williams (140 yards rushing, 4.1 ypc). Linebackers Barrett Ruud, Cato June and Derrick Brooks must be kept clean by the defensive line in order to make plays in the running game. Don’t think that the Panthers will abandon their much improved passing game this season as Steve Smith (16 rec, 281 yards, 4 TDs) is still one of the most dynamic receivers in all of football. Also, TE Jeff King (13 rec, 130 yards, TD) has turned into a reliable mid range receiver for the Panthers so the safeties must be prepared to stop him. The secret weapons of the Panthers this week will be WRs Drew Carter and Keary Colbert who will most definately be single covered by the Bucs.
PREDICTION: The Panthers will be happy they signed David Carr after they win this football game. Look for DE Julius Peppers to make at least one game altering play on defense for the Panthers that turns the game in their direction.
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