Delhomme's Numbers Down

For four seasons, Jake Delhomme had Tampa Bay's number.

Sunday, that number was 38.6.

Although the Bucs didn't register a sack, an aroused defense hounded Delhomme into a forgettable Sunday afternoon. Tampa Bay posted three interceptions, dropped several other potential picks and never allowed Delhomme to find a rhythm in a 27-3 rout that forged a three-way tie atop the NFC South.

"It didn't start good and it didn't get any better," said Delhomme, whose 38.6 passer rating was dwarfed by Jeff Garcia's 117.3 mark. "They swarmed to the football today and there wasn't a whole lot there."

Delhomme had been 7-1 against the Bucs, including some dramatic comeback victories, but the Panthers failed to generate a first down in six of their first nine possessions.

A key play came late in the opening quarter, just after a Delhomme interception led to a 14-0 deficit.

On Carolina's next snap, Steve Smith broke open on a double move and was 10 yards behind Tampa Bay's defense. Because Delhomme's pass was off the mark, Smith had to make a diving catch for a 48-yard reception and the Panthers ultimately settled for a field goal.

"It came out kind of wide and outside," Carolina coach John Fox said. "Steve made a good adjustment to catch it, but again, that's kind of how our day went."

According to Delhomme, Smith said he lost the ball in the sun, but Smith didn't exactly confirm the conversation.

"Whatever," Smith said when told of Delhomme's remarks. "Hey, I just work here."

QUICK START

Derrick Brooks couldn't stop smiling when asked about the blocked punt and score by rookie Geno Hayes, a fellow standout linebacker from Florida State.

"That set the tone early," Brooks said of the 22-yard return by Hayes for a 7-0 advantage just 2:35 into the game. "We knew we'd have one chance on the block and thank God Geno got the ball rolling."

DT Chris Hovan said the early spark generated momentum while deflating the Panthers.

"That was huge," Hovan said. "Special teams got a kick, Hayes comes free and scores. That's a game-changer right there."

BUCS GET AN EDGE

Because NFL teams hold division games in special regard, Sunday's victory was particularly pleasing as the Bucs improved to 2-1 within the NFC South.

"It's huge for us to be able to get this win, especially at home," C Jeff Faine said. "These guys would have gone up two games on us. We ran the ball today against a defense that is very, very good."

EXTRA POINTS

Although the paid attendance was 64,211, there appeared to be thousands of empty seats for the early-season division showdown. ... The Bucs improved to 18-0 under Coach Jon Gruden when not committing a turnover. ... Tampa Bay inactives were WR Joey Galloway, QB Brian Griese, FB B.J. Askew, DT Greg Peterson, LB Matt McCoy, T/G Anthony Davis, T James Lee and rookie Josh Johnson, who served as the emergency third QB. ... By the second half, the temperature at Raymond James Stadium had soared to 88 degrees and it felt like 97 on the field. ... The Panthers were outgained 87-8 in the third quarter, going three-and-out on both of their possessions.

Ira Kaufman