Carolina Panthers (2-1) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Sunday, September 30, 2007 4:05 PM ET
Tampa Bay -120
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The Carolina Panthers welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. Sunday’s game will be a battle for first place in the NFC South. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a rejuvenated team this season with the addition of QB Jeff Garcia. Garcia (43-65, 595YDS, 2TD) has combined for 55 points in his last two games since their season opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs rushing game is off and running. RB C.Williams (48CAR, 167YDS, 3TD) and E.Graham (13CAR, 88YDS, 2TD) are burning down the field. WR J.Galloway (13REC, 249YDS, 2TD) is by far Garcia’s favorite receiver to throw to. Tampa Bay also has their defense back after going several season’s without. The Bucs defense is rated 5th in the NFL, and they’ve only allowed their opponents 12.3 points per game. QB Garcia has beaten the Panthers the last three times they’ve met.

The Carolina Panthers will be without QB Jake Delhomme due to an elbow issue he suffered last week against the Falcons. Delhomme (55-86, 626YDS, 8TD) seems to be the key to the Panthers offense, without Delhomme there in big trouble. QB David Carr will likely get the starting position. The Panthers RB D.Foster (46CAR, 238YDS, 1TD) had his best week last week but besides that he’s not performing like coach had hoped. WR S.Smith (16REC, 281YDS, 4TD) is the only other contributing player on the team but without Delhomme who knows. The Panthers defense has only two recorded sacks and no interceptions in three games.

Bottom Line: The Tampa Bay Bucs bring a hot offense into Carolina against a struggling Panthers defense. Coach John Fox says he’s concerned with his defense, especially the lack of pass rush. The Buccaneers have a great defense that has excelled in every part of their D.

The Bucs should walk away top of the NFC South.

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