Panthers vs. Bucs: Handing Out the Grades

This game will be just as easy to grade as last week for obviously the opposite reasons. The defense had its first bad day as they could not get off the field on 3^rd down. Where the Bucs could make plays on 3^rd down the Panthers ended 3 for 12, their usual 25%. Let's get the pain over with:

Rushing Offense Grade:            C-

I at first had a ‘D' here but backed off after realizing the Panthers were behind by 14 early and pretty much had to abandon the run in the second half. With the line missing two starters as well I decided this was the least of our concerns.

Passing Offense Grade:             D+

Let's see, where to start. How about three interceptions because of balls batted by the receivers? How Jake still put up 248 yards when he was misfiring all over the field defies logic. That was a stinker of a passing game against a team that is supposedly susceptible to the pass. I did give them the plus for not giving up a sack.

Rushing Defense Grade:            F

After shutting down some of the premier runners in the league this unit gave up 115 to 49 year old Warrick Dunn (maybe it just seems like he's been tormenting us for 20 years). It was like suddenly the defense couldn't get off their blocks and Warrick Dunn looked like Barry Sanders.

Passing Defense Grade:            C-

The pass rush was nonexistent, a trend that is becoming more of an issue each and every week. The Bucs used quick passes in most cases to prevent pass rush issues but when they did throw downfield there was zero pass rush to disrupt the play. I don't think they even got a hit on Garcia. There were no big plays beyond 29 yards but in the end the Panther secondary couldn't make a play when it had too. They only gave up 173 yards and one TD through the air but did allow Garcia 117 rating on a 75% completion rate.

Special Teams Grade:               F

Like I said after the Chicago game if you give up a TD from a blocked punt it's an F. There's nothing left to discuss (see picture above if you question this).

Coaching Grade:                      D

I'd like to say the play-calling sucked or that the team just wasn't prepared but after watching the game again (or as much as I could stomach) the Bucs just seemed to want this one more. I know John Fox tried to keep the team motivated after the blocked punt but it just didn't work. The just fell flat period. Given that evaluation of the play-calling I could not fault Fox completely for the teams flat performance. These guys are professionals who shouldn't need a coach trying to motivate them like some high school kid. Just the fact it's a division game against the Bucs should be motivation enough.