Here are my predictions for how the Panthers will attack the Tampa Bay Bucs this weekend and emerge victorious. Victorious! Victorious I tell you!

The Offensive Game Plan

I don’t see the Panthers changing their offensive game plan against the Bucs regardless of who starts at QB. They will run the ball early, try to get Steve Smith involved with short passes and exploit the middle of the field. I expect David Carr to start and since he throws a nice long ball I expect at least 3-4 deep passes between Smith and Carter. Carr is also effective rolling out so I expect a few designed boot legs to his right. I think the Panthers will have success running the ball and if they can get an early lead Foster will pile up some numbers in the 4th quarter. I would really like to see more screen passes to D-Will too. The Bucs like to bring pressure (ala Derrick Brooks) so let us hope Jeff King is on his game for quick passes, especially on 3rd down.

The key to every game is turnovers so the Panther RB’s must hold on to the ball and Carr must avoid the forced passes he was inclined to make in the preseason. Ronde Barber has been a thorn in our side in the past so the Panthers may also decoy Smith and throw to Carter a little more. If the Panthers can prevent pressure from the outside Carr should be able to avoid anything up the middle by rolling out. If we can keep the turnovers to a minimum and get the home crowd into the game then I think the Panthers will pull this one out.

On a final note, I realize it’s a little early to read too much in the numbers, but let’s see what the statistical match-up tells us:

___________Panther O_______Bucs D
Points/game: 25.0 (11th)______12.5 (5th)
Total Yds/gm: 351 (12th)______310.3 (12th)
Pass Yds/gm: 208.7 (19th)______185.7 (9th)
Rush Yds/gm: 142.3 (6th)______124.7 (21st)

The biggest number in the Panthers favor is the rushing yards. The Panthers should rush for their average this week if not more. If 25 points per game only gets you to 11th then it seems scoring must be up league wide. Obviously it’s the passing game that needs improvement so if Carr can put up 250 yards against the 9th ranked pass defense then he will create a lot of confidence going forward.

My Panther Defense vs. the Buc Offense prediction will come later.