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Panthers Maul the Bucs 38-23 - Post Game Notes

Wow, I couldn't have scripted it too much better. What else needs to be said about the Panthers Smash-n-Dash RB combo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart? They not only ran for over 300 yards and 4 TD's but they ran with an attitude as they punished the Bucs weak tackles. WR Steve Smith has also his usual self with 100+ yards and score.

The Panther defense had a tough time containing WR Antonio Bryant (200 yds, 2 TD's) but did keep Panther nemesis RB Warrick Dunn in check (49 yards). The Bucs offense in the end couldn't keep up once they got down by two scores.

Other game notes:

  • It all starts up front with the Panthers offensive line just destroying the Bucs defensive line play after play. Big kudos to Gross, Wharton, Kalil, Vincent and Otah. The big boys up front got it done tonight
  • CB Ronde Barber got punked on several plays via a Williams stiff arm. It might be time for Ronde to join his brother Tiki in retirement.

Star-divide

  • The Bucs quick passing game keep Julius Peppers in check for most of the game, but not enough to keep him registering a sack and half. He had a key sack on 3rd in the 4th quarter that stopped a Bucs drive that might have tied the game
  • QB Jake Delhomme threw two INT's where both were just poor decisions. On the other hand he did hit WR Steve Smith for a 38 yard TD
  • The Bucs defense had given up only one rushing TD all season prior to giving up two each to Williams and Stewart.
  • CB Richard Marshall led the team with 9 tackles and chipped in a key sack on a blitz. This shows how much time the Panthers played the nickel against the Bucs WC offense
  • The Panther defense rang up 5 sacks as they finally got pressure on the fleet-footed QB in the 2nd half.

Just a huge win for the Panthers who now have the inside track for the #2 seed. Shoot, if they run the table they would be the #1 seed. Here's the best thing about this game:

They put the BEATDOWN on the Bucs baby! They demoralized their defense and bewildered the offense. They got popped in the mouth over and over. They got abused for sloppy tackling and in the 4th quarter they suddenly couldn't keep containment on the Panthers pass rush.

Yes my fellow Panther fans this was one game to behold and enjoy for the moment. Who could not watch that performance and not be impressed with the Panthers running game (except Kornheiser of course)? This Panther team is legitimate and maybe now they will start to get some props from the rest of the league.

Check back for more analysis to come and I leave you with the very telling picture:

D-will_stiffs_barber_medium

Bow down to the Power that is Smash-n-Dash!

Poll
Against the Bucs on MNF, the Panthers game ball should go to:
The offensive line
34 votes
DeAngelo Williams
9 votes
Jonathan Stewart
2 votes
Smash-n-Dash (Willaims and Stewart)
40 votes
Julius Peppers
0 votes
Steve Smith
1 votes
Jon Beason
1 votes

87 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 7 comments | Share on Facebook Digg!

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Comments

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Ronde was tired!

That was evil! Make him chase Steve Smith all day, and then expect him to tackle the Terror Twins? Not gonna happen.

5 dropped INT’s though. IIRC, the Bucs INT’s were both circus catches (plus their TD). The beatdown should have been even more!

I know there’s still more football to come, but tonight – we dance!

by panthersnbraves on Dec 9, 2008 12:37 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buc'em site

http://www.bucem.com/
Scrool all the way down, bottom right… they have the Julius Peppers FA countdown clock… that’s funny, wonder if they’re hoping to sign him or will just be glad to have them out of the NFC South!
I say put the Franchise tag on him so that way EVERY year is a contract year

by ClaytonFire on Dec 9, 2008 8:15 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JScott the blogger at Buc 'em

has a well documented man-crush on Peppers. So yes, he would be very happy if the Bucs signed him away.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Dec 9, 2008 8:31 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hell of a game

However, I think Steve Young made an excellent point after the game. He said that the passing attack looked a little out of sync and that Delhomme’s timing was off quite a bit. Now of course that can sound like knitpicking, but I have to admit the throws did see to be a little late from Jake. However, if the o-line plays like it did against Tampa, which imo they are capable of AS LONG as they stay healthy, I’m not really that worried about any “timing”. And speaking of Young, I just loved hearing him praise the hell out of Smith. Even the great ones like Young (one of my favorite QB’s) realize how special Smith is.

by ChipperTeixeira89 on Dec 9, 2008 10:25 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

Steve Young’s comments where right on. What other player can be on a team that is last in passing attempts and 2nd to last in completions (because of the low passing attempts) and still be the NFL’s 5th receiver in total yards. Amazing talent he is.

by LittleKing on Dec 9, 2008 11:37 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And don't forget

That every other receiver has two games on him due to the early suspension. I guess it’s safe to say that Smith is in his prime for sure.

by ChipperTeixeira89 on Dec 9, 2008 2:30 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good point

That’s something easily overlooked. He’s just amazing.

by LittleKing on Dec 9, 2008 5:02 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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