Monday, Oct. 13, 2008

Bucs defense manhandles Panthers

The world seems like a perfect place after a dominating football performance. The smiles were wide around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' locker room after a 27-3 thumping of the NFC South foe Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Of course, you would expect the pleasantry after throttling the top team in the division - which rode into Tampa with a five-game winning streak on the Bucs' turf - handily in every phase of the game.

"We definitely went out there with a statement on our mind," said Bucs rookie cornerback Aqib Talib, who had one of three interceptions of Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme. "We knew what we were getting ourselves into with an offense and defense that were rolling like they were rolling. There was a lot on the line, and I definitely think we showed up to play."

The win was the essence of a total team effort.

Tampa's offense gained 315 total yards with running back Warrick Dunn leading the charge with 115 yards on 22 carries - the 30th 100-yard rushing game of his career. Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia, starting in place of an injured Brian Griese, resembled the signal-caller that led the Bucs to the division crown en route to a playoff berth last year, playing an efficient game and limiting his mistakes.

It was hard to find a blemish in his performance. Garcia completed 15 of 20 passes for 173 yards, no touchdowns, but more importantly, no interceptions.

"I thought my performance was solid from a standpoint that I didn't turn the football over," Garcia said. "I thought that executionwise, we did some good things, enough good things to put us in a position to win the football game. The offensive line, running backs, receivers, everyone did their job throughout the day."

Yes, the Bucs (4-2) had a flawless day in the turnover category, however, the Panthers miscues ultimately led to their demise. In all, the Bucs forced four turnovers, including one that led to the first score of the game.

Carolina was punting from its own 41-yard line with 12:35 minutes remaining in the first period when rookie linebacker Geno Hayes broke free up the middle and smacked the ball off the foot of Panthers punter Jason Baker, scooped up the bouncing ball and returned it 22 yards for the touchdown, which sent the 64,211 fans in attendance into a frenzy.

Seven minutes later, Bucs safety Tanard Jackson intercepted a Delhomme pass at the Panthers' 36-yard line and returned to the 11, but Tampa cornerback Ronde Barber was flagged for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty to back the Bucs up to Carolina's 26. Five plays later, Garcia hit tight end Alex Smith for a 2-yard touchdown to arm Tampa with a 14-0 lead.

But the Panthers (4-2) responded.

On the ensuing possession, Delhomme threw a 48-yard pass to wide receiver Steve Smith, who was streaking down the right hash mark to put the Panthers at the Bucs' 24-yard line. But the drive stalled at the Bucs 2-yard line, and Panthers kicker John Kasay chipped in a 20-yard field goal to give Carolina its only points of the afternoon.