TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bucs' Playoff Chances Good Even If They Lose Tonight

Tribune photo by JOSEPH BROWN III

Adam Hayward, left, celebrates with teammate Andrew Economos after taking down Saints' Reggie Bush on Nov. 30 in the fourth quarter.

ADVERTISEMENT

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2008

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The big game is still hours away, but the Bucs have already enjoyed a good weekend.

Losses by Atlanta and Dallas on Sunday could end up having a major positive impact on Tampa Bay's postseason chances, especially if the Bucs fall to Carolina tonight in Charlotte.

A Panthers win would push them a game ahead of Tampa Bay atop the NFC South and drop the Bucs to 9-4, but Tampa Bay would still be a game ahead of the Falcons and Cowboys in the NFC wild-card chase.

Dallas blew a late lead at Pittsburgh and Atlanta lost a close one at New Orleans as both teams fell to 8-5.

Don't count the Bucs out as division winners, even if they come up short tonight. The Panthers have a brutal closing schedule -- home against Denver and on the road against the Giants and Saints. The Broncos are 4-2 on the road, while the Giants and Saints are both 6-1 at home.

If the Bucs lose tonight and end the regular season by beating Atlanta, San Diego and Oakland, they would finish at 12-4, including a 4-2 mark in the division and a 9-3 record in the NFC. Those are solid potential tie-breaker factors likely to be in Tampa Bay's favor if the Bucs and Panthers each finish 12-4.

Should the Bucs win at Charlotte and Atlanta, they would need only one win in the last two games (both at home) to clinch their third NFC South title in the past four years.

The Panthers are expecting a big, boisterous crowd tonight at Bank of America Stadium, where fans are encouraged to wear black in support of the home team's jersey colors. There will be some Bucs fans sprinkled in the crowd, and they had better come dressed for chilly weather, with the forecast calling for clear skies, a light wind and temperatures in the low 40s.

The Panthers are 6-0 at home, and NFC South clubs have been sensational overall in their own venues, posting a cumulative 23-2 home mark this season. Tampa Bay is 3-3 on the road, but all three wins -- at Chicago, Kansas City and Detroit -- have been marked by major comeback efforts.

The Bucs trounced the Panthers 27-3 at Raymond James Stadium in Week 6, jumping out to a quick 14-0 advantage and taking Carolina out of its run-oriented game plan. Defensive tackle Jovan Haye (knee) did not make the trip for the Bucs, with Ryan Sims expected to make his first start in three years.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT