Bucs best Panthers, move to 3-1

The Tampa Bay Bucanneers put together a third straight complete game, with contributions from offense, defense and special teams to dominate the Carolina Panthers in a 20-7 win at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

Offense
Set the tone early, driving for a touchdown after the opening kickoff. Apart from injuries to Carnell Williams and Luke Petitgout, the only downside was points left on the board. The Bucs fumbled deep in Carolina territory in the first half (Hilliard laid the ball on the ground after a completion), and the Bucs failed to punch the ball into the end zone on fourth-and-one with Earnest Graham carrying the ball.

The injury to Williams looks serious. Rumor says it's an ACL. I think the method of injury makes it look more like an MCL (medial collateral ligament), and I wouldn't be surprised if it was accompanied by a torn meniscus. On the other hand, the knee ended up in a nasty position so more than one ligament could easily have sustained damage.
The injury to Petitgout also looks like a MCL based on the hit he took. I'd be surprised if he misses the entire season.

These injuries put a damper on the Bucs' playoff hopes even though the team is sitting pretty at 3-1.

Defense
The defense played a great game, with the back seven playing a nearly flawless game. The Bucs got at least one coverage sack (something I've predicted based on the solid play of linebackers and secondary). The defense is manufacturing its own luck with swarming tackling and hard hitting--just like the old days (Super Bowl year, that is). Phillip Buchanon and and Jermaine Phillips stood out in the secondary again. Patrick Chukwurah registered his first sack of the season in his first appearance of the season. Chukwurah put on a good rush from the right side.

Special Teams
Matt Bryant made his two field goal attempts, and the kick coverage was solid--though the Panthers did return one kickoff out to the 35--not up to standard, but that starting position has been an exception for Bucs' opponents this year.

Next Week
The Bucs play at Indianapolis, the best measuring stick of the season so far.

The Bucs should have a shot to win, but both Williams and Petitgout will be sorely missed. I expect Williams to most likely go on injured reserve. I hope Kenneth Darby gets a shot at being added to the active roster. The Bucs cut Darby late during training camp. Darby is currently a member of the Practice Squad, so hopefully he has begun to learn his assignments better. He can definitely run.



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