Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sports

TBO > Sports

The Bucs Will Win If... The Panthers Will Win If...

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2008

The Bucs Will Win If...
They can get to Jake Delhomme. The Bucs have done a good job of rushing the passer the past few weeks and they need to get to Delhomme. He'll hurry his throws and force a few into coverage when he's under duress, so the Bucs have to make the pocket an uncomfortable place for him. It's mostly up to the defensive line to do that, but a lot of this falls on the secondary as well. They have to do a good job in coverage, because that will force Delhomme into checkdowns that will reduce the time he needs to get rid of the ball cleanly.

The Panthers Will Win If...
They ever take a touchdown or better lead. The Bucs have done a great job of pulling themselves out of sizeable holes this year but it's a different kind of opponent they're facing in this one. The Panthers have a running game that's strong enough to maintain control of the ball for long periods and score points. If Carolina gets into a position where they can run the ball to take time off the clock they'll force the Bucs into a shootout approach that they don't want to get into and don't necessarily excel at.