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Bucs-Panthers key matchups

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2009

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams vs. Bucs DT Ryan Sims

Bucs coach Raheem Morris said earlier this year there would be times Sims would have to be the Bucs' version of Michael Jordan. This is one of those times.

Sims doesn't have to score 30 points, grab 12 rebounds and dish out 12 assists, but he's got to have a triple-double kind of day because he's the kingpin of the rush defense. He's the first guy Williams and fellow back Jonathan Stewart will encounter as they work their way through the line, and if the Bucs are to have any chance in this game, Sims has to stop them more often than not.

The Panthers have one of the league's most powerful running attacks, one that gained 299 yards against Sims and the Bucs a year ago, but opponents have been holding them to average gains so far. Regularly assigning an eighth defender to the task is one way of doing that, but stopping the Panthers' run game starts up front with Sims, who has to gain leverage, shed blocks and stand his ground.

If Sims can at least slow Williams and Stewart and help force the Panthers into some long second- and third-down plays, the Bucs' chances of winning go up because Panthers QB Jake Delhomme has been struggling. Delhomme is throwing nearly two interceptions for every touchdown.

Bucs LT Donald Penn vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers

Peppers finally woke up from a long summer's nap last week. After recording just one sack in his first three games, he broke out with two sacks and added four tackles during the Panthers' victory vs. the Redskins. The Bucs can't afford to let that big game be the start of a new trend.

Bucs quarterback Josh Johnson has the quickness and mobility necessary to avoid sacks and make plays. But as a first-year starter, Johnson needs time to make good decisions with the ball. By neutralizing Peppers, the Bucs can give Johnson that time.

Penn is having a very good season. He's given up a sack in each of his last two games, but overall has done an excellent job of slowing the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Aaron Schobel and Osi Umenyiora. The good thing about today's matchup is it's not a new one for Penn.

One thing to keep in mind is Peppers lines up on both sides of the line, so it's not just Penn who has to slow him today. Jeremy Trueblood will have to be stout at times, too.

Bucs RG Davin Joseph vs. Panthers DT Damione Lewis

Sooner rather than later, the Bucs have to get back to doing what they were supposed to do best, and that's run the ball. This just may be the game in which they can do that.

The Panthers have been abysmal against the run this year, allowing opponents to gain 5.0 yards per carry and a ridiculous 155.5 yards per game on the ground. One big reason is the loss of defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu, easily Carolina's best run-stopper, to a torn Achilles' in training camp.

Veteran Damione Lewis is solid, but not spectacular. Joseph has the mobility and strength to take him out and move to the second level. If Joseph can eliminate Lewis, the Bucs should be able to make yards through the middle, because Kemoeatu's replacement, Nick Hayden, is average.

If the Bucs can get their running game going, they can control the clock and dictate the game's flow.

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