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The Bucs will face a big test today, as Carolina has owned Tampa Bay as of late, especially starting with the 2008 debacle on Monday Night Football where they gave up 301 rushing yards. That continued last year as well, and if the Bucs want to show they have improved vs the run with the addition of McCoy and Price, now is the time to do it.
Another big test will be the maturation of Josh Freeman. Five interceptions were thrown last year by the Bucs young QB, and that cannot be done again if any semblance of progress is supposed to be being made.
Last year’s game featured the Bucs 4th best offensive effort in history, and the numbers lately have swung Carolina’s way.
The overall series is 12-7 in favor of the team in Blue, but three of the last 5 years has seen the series split. Its been three wins in a row for Carolina, but the Bucs actually have a better record against the Panthers on the road (4-6) than at home (3-6).
Interesting to note, Tampa Bay was able to beat Carolina in Charlotte each time the Bucs won the division, in 2002, 2005 and 2007. Clearly the @ Carolina game is an important one to this franchise.
So far after one game, Tampa Bay has the higher ranked rushing offense coming in at 10th as opposed to Carolina’s 20th (tied) ranking; in fact just about every catagory favors Tampa Bay at this point in the season after one game played.
Special Teams continue to be a real strength on this Bucs team thanks to coach Rich Bisaccia. Four Special Teams players have made the pro Bowl since 2005, which was P Josh Bidwell’s year. In ‘0 Torrie Cox made it as an alternate, Snapper Dave Moore made it in 2006 before he retired, and KR Clifton Smith went in 2008. Thats not bad for special team!
What about on the field? Only Chicago and Green Bay with 3 each have surrendured fewer KO and Punt return TDs since 2002. The Bucs have only allowed 4 since then. In the same large time frame, Tampa Bay is 5th in Kick off return avg yards with 22.8 and 7th in gross punting average with 43.3. The Bucs are 6th since 2002 in Punts placed inside the 20 yard line. Not bad Special Teams!
So get ready folks, its GAME DAY, and download the PDF Program and read about each Bucs/Panthers game as well as a ton of other info in this 51 page special. Bucs records vs the Panthers, Player and Coaches bios, all kinds of stats, all at your fingertips. Its enough info to keep you busy till Chip Carters Tailgate Sunday at 11:30.
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