Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are trying to build off of last week when they won their first game while the Buccaneers are still trying to get on that side of the ledger. This should be the week that the Panthers really get things going on offense. The Bucs are allowing 152.6 yards rushing per game and 4.7 yards per carry so DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should both have good games on Sunday. If the Bucs are crazy enough to load up the box look for Jake Delhomme to attack them down the field with Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammad. Panthers’ QBs have been sacked 12 times this season and the Bucs have 9 sacks this season so they will be likely blitzing more often than usual to try to pressure Delhomme into some mistakes. After all, he has thrown 8 interceptions already this season.
The Buccaneers should come out running the ball against the Panthers. That would give Josh Johnson a better chance for success and it would give them a chance to control the clock and keep the defense off the field. The Panthers are allowing 155.5 yards rushing per game and 5.0 yards per carry so this could be the game that Cadillac Williams truly breaks out. Kellen Winslow has emerged as John Johnson’s favorite receiver so the Panthers’ D will likely give him a lot of attention and dare Johnson to beat the D with his WRs (Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant) who have been dropping more passes than they have been catching. Look for Julius Peppers to have his best game of the year forcing Johnson into making some big mistakes.
PREDICTION: PANTHERS 24, BUCCANEERS 10
