Carolina Panthers Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
Garcia has frustrated the Panthers in the past because he's been tough to get to in the pocket and often burns them with short passes. It doesn't help that No. 3 corner Richard Marshall isn't playing well of late.
"He's a good quarterback," Fox said. "He's played in the West Coast offense for some time. He makes quick decisions; he's got good mobility; he buys time - all of the same things that the Steve Youngs and some of the quarterbacks, the Donovan McNabbs, that have operated in the West Coast offense over the years."
PLAYER NOTES
--LB Adam Seward is still recovering from a sprained ankle.
--QB Jake Delhomme had been a Bucs killer leading up to the last meeting in October. But in that game Delhomme was intercepted three times in 27-3 defeat.
--RB DeAngelo Williams needs one more touchdown to tie a team single-season record of 12.
--LB Jon Beason had 11 tackles and key interception to bury the Packers last week.
--DE Julius Peppers has 11 sacks in his past 11 games.
GAME PLAN: The Panthers are going to run the ball and the Bucs know that. Carolina has run the ball better at home this season than on the road.
The big question will be if Carolina's defense can contain Jeff Garcia. The Panthers haven't played well on that side of the football since the bye week.
One of the biggest issues of late for the Panthers has been their inability to get off the field on third down.
This past week, for instance, the Packers converted half of their 16 third-down conversions while putting together five drives of longer than 50 yards, including three of longer than 75 yards.
"To get a team to third down is good, but when it's third-and-4, third-and-5, it's manageable (for the offense) to pick it up," Beason said. "They have the option to run and throw. If we can force Tampa into some third-and-longs, we can get off the field."
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Panthers QB Jake Delhomme vs. Bucs secondary -- The Bucs pressured Delhomme into a lot of bad throws in the last meeting at Raymond James Stadium. In fact, at times Delhomme looked frightened in the pocket. That's unusual because he's played so well in the past against Tampa Bay. Delhomme is better at home than on the road so that should work to Carolina's advantage.
Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams vs. Bucs defense: Williams has scored in five straight games. The Bucs did a very good job of shutting him down in the first meeting, although part of that was the result of jumping on the Panthers early. It could be tough sledding against a stingy Tampa Bay defense, so don't look for great numbers this week.
INJURY IMPACT: Adam Seward (ankle) appears to be the only Carolina player in danger of missing this week's game.
advertisement
