This is a crucial game for both of these teams as it’s for first place in the NFC South.  The Panthers would like to run the ball to set up the pass but that will be easier said than done against a Bucs’ defense that is allowing only 99.6 yards rushing per game and 3.7 yards per carry.  Still, DeAngelo Williams (324 yards, 4.3 ypc) and Jonathan Stewart (269 yards rushing, 4.2 ypc) have been outstanding this season and the Panthers will still get the football in their hands.  The Bucs have 11 sacks and 8 interceptions this season so Jake Delhomme should be careful when throwing the ball downfield.  Still, that will not stop Delhomme from throwing the ball to Steve Smith down the field and Mushin Muhammad on the short stuff.

The Buccaneers would also be smart to play to the team strength and run the football.  They are averaging 134.8 yards rushing per game and 5.3 yards per carry so look for Earnest Graham (393 yards rushing, 5.9 ypc) and Warrick Dunn (271 yards rushing, 5.1 ypc) to test a tough Panthers’ defense that is allowing only 98.4 yards rushing per game and 3.8 ypc.  Look for the passing game to remain the dink and dunk variety with Jeff Garcia calling the shots which could inspire the Bucs to play a good game.

PREDICTION:  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 21, CAROLINA PANTHERS 20

The Buccaneers had a few lapses of logic that cost them this football game.  The Bucs rushed for 139 yards against the Broncos averaging 6.3 yards per carry but the Bucs didn’t stay with it throwing the ball way too often.  Brian Griese started the game and he completed 13 of 19 passes for 88 yards.  He left the game due to injury and was replaced by Jeff Garcia who almost brought the team back to win but they fell just a bit short.  Garcia completed 13 of 17 passes for 93 yards with 1 TD and 1 interception.  Antonio Bryant was the leading receiver in this game for the Bucs with 7 grabs for 58 yards (8.3 avg).  Earnest Graham (80 yards) and Warrick Dunn (87 yards) both had solid games rushing and receiving.  The Bucs would be smart to involve the RBs much more in the offense as they are light at WR.  The Bucs’ defense played good enough to win this game holding the Broncos to 16 points and 333 yards of total offense.  The Buccaneers are now 3-2 on the season.

This should be a very interesting football game as both teams are 3-1 but the Bucs are a defensive team while the Broncos are a offense only team.  The Bucs will no doubt come out running the football against a soft Broncos’ run defense which is allowing 132.8 yards rushing per game and 5.0 yards per carry.  Earnest Graham (334 yards, 5.9 ypc, 2 TDs) and Warrick Dunn (197 yards rushing, 4.7 ypc, 1 TD) will likely both have a lot of action in this game due to the altitude of Denver.  Don’t think that the Bucs will focus on just running the football as opposing QBs have a 111.9 rating against the Broncos this season.

The Bucs defense is pretty tough against the pass as they have 8 interceptions and 11 sacks this season.  Look for the Broncos to keep the passing game short and let the WRs try to gain yards after the catch.  Jay Cutler has a lot of weapons to spread the ball around to in WRs Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Brandon Stokley.  TE Tony Scheffler also could be a thorn in the Bucs’ side tomorrow.  The Broncos would still like to get Selvin Young, Andre Hall and Michael Pittman some carries so the Bucs don’t load up against the pass.

PREDICTION:  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 31, DENVER BRONCOS 30

The Bucs have lost starting fullback B.J. Askew for the next 3-4 weeks due to a torn hamstring.  Askew has not carried the ball this season but he has caught 8 passes for 39 yards (4.9 avg).  Byron Storer will replace Askew in the starting lineup and he will focus on blocking for Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn in the running game.

The Bucs won this game the old fashioned way…..with the running game and defense.  Brian Griese did not look good in this game completing 15 of 30 passes for 149 yards with 1 TD pass and 3 interceptions.  Earnest Graham was the main man for the Bucs in this game as he carried the ball 20 times for 111 yards (5.6 ypc) with a TD run.  Warrick Dunn also got his fair share of work in this game rushing for 63 yards on 16 carries (3.9 ypc) and he also caught 2 passes for 23 yards (11.5 avg).  TE Alex Smith caught 2 passes for 26 yards (13.0 avg) but one of his grabs was good for a 9-yard TD.  The Bucs finished up this game with 178 yards rushing on 41 carries (4.3 ypc) and they also completed 15 of 30 passes for 149 yards.

The defense was awesome for the Bucs in this football game.  Ronde Barber led the team with 6 tackles but a lot of other plays made bigger plays.  LB Barrett Ruud finished up with 5 tackles, a interception and a sack.  DE Gaines Adams was all over the field finishing with 5 tackles and a interception.  Safety Jermaine Phillips only had 2 tackles but he recovered a fumble and returned it 38 yards for a TD.  The Packers finished up with 28 yards rushing on 18 carries (1.6 ypc) and they also completed 16 of 32 passes for 153 yards.  The Buccaneers are now 3-1 on the season with this win.