Preview by CBS
Odds by Paddy Power
:tampa: {9 - 3} @ {9 - 3}
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 20 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
KICKOFF: Monday, 8:30 ET
SURFACE: Grass
TV: ESPN (Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya)
SERIES: 17th regular season meeting. Panthers lead the series 9-7. Bucs won the earlier meeting this season at Raymond James Stadium 27-3. Tampa Bay scored an early touchdown when Geno Hayes blocked a Jason Baker punt and returned it 22 yards.
PREDICTION: Panthers 23-16
KEYS TO THE GAME: Carolina has allowed an average of 30.3 points the past three games, not including special teams scores. The main culprit has been the run defense, which has allowed at least 135 yards in four consecutive games and was beaten for 142 in the first meeting. Tampa had a 9:24 edge in time of possession that day, and Carolina must get the Bucs out of the short passing game run by QB Jeff Garcia, who has won his past five starts against the Panthers.
Comforts of home: Panthers QB Jake Delhomme typically plays well against Tampa Bay, but was hounded into three interceptions in Week 6. Carolina must avoid falling into another early hole so it can stay focused on its potent ground game. Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for just 39 rushing yards in Tampa, but the offensive line is far healthier now. Delhomme's 106.2 passer rating at home is also 42.9 points better than his road number.
Key Injuries: Bucs: DE Gaines Adams (hip pointer) and TE Alex Smith (ankle) should play; DT Jovan Haye (knee) is uncertain. Panthers: LB Adam Seward (ankle) is uncertain.
Need to know: This is just the sixth time teams with winning percentages of .750 or better have met in Week 12 or later in a season. ... Bucs RB Warrick Dunn needs six catches to become the sixth player in NFL history with 10,000 rushing yards and 500 receptions in his career.
Linear Mode
