Bucs and Panthers- Sunday may determine which direction they are headed

[panthers55]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/02/2822346/as-panthers-try-to-build-bucs.html

A year ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in the midst of what seemed to be a breakthrough season.

With second-year quarterback Josh Freeman, the high-energy coaching style of Raheem Morris and a sense of momentum, the Bucs put together a 10-6 season that didn't get them in the playoffs but put them in the conversation about the league's fast-rising teams.

The momentum has stalled, however.

When the Panthers visit Raymond James Stadium Sunday, they'll be facing a Tampa Bay team that has lost five in a row and six of the last seven.

What happened?

"It's been a little bit of everything," Morris said. "We've had turnovers, we've had penalties that have been a big deal for us. The bottom line is not being able to finish.

"Some of the games we won last year, we won in the last minute and we were called the comeback kids. This year, we've put ourselves in position to win three of those games and we didn't win them. Our record reflects that. You win those three games you were in position to win, now you're talking about a seven and whatever team and a team that's rolling but we're not talking about that right now."

[Grammer]

they had a pathetic schedule last year. reminds me of the bengals this year.

[Kevin Greene]

I was thinking earlier today there's no time better than this Sunday to bitch slap an NFC South oppnent and give them a taste of what they face now and long into the future.

Vegas has the Bucs a 3 point favorite.

[beastson]

Time to start off strong and hold on

No dumbass fumbles by our TE when we're getting ready to put points on the board

[Herbert The Love Bug]

I was watching NFL live or something and Herm Edwards was saying don't throw it to Steve Smith. Just continue to throw to the TEs the whole game. I say try a bomb to Smith first play of the game then hit them hard with the run game all day. Got to get up early and stay on top.

[Marguide]

A bit surprising, but on NFL Playbook, all of the analysts picked the Panthers to win against the Bucs.

I don't see it as quite that clear cut, just because of our defensive performance this year, but I hope they are right.

[jtnc]

I was watching NFL live or something and Herm Edwards was saying don't throw it to Steve Smith. Just continue to throw to the TEs the whole game. I say try a bomb to Smith first play of the game then hit them hard with the run game all day. Got to get up early and stay on top.

We should try to avoid Smitty, throwing to him usually leads to interceptions, especially when Newton throws high.

[CarolinaPanthers2K11]

they had a pathetic schedule last year. reminds me of the bengals this year.

Told those Buc fans at the beginning of the season they got fat off cupcakes last year. lol

I was thinking earlier today there's no time better than this Sunday to bitch slap an NFC South oppnent and give them a taste of what they face now and long into the future.

Vegas has the Bucs a 3 point favorite.

Time to go get that money!

We should try to avoid Smitty, throwing to him usually leads to interceptions, especially when Newton throws high.

'cept in the Detroit game where nearly all the picks were off Olsen being targeted.

[panthers55]

I certainly hope the defense can hold the Bucs to 21 or less. At least give the offense a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter instead of blowing late leads and expecting heroic finishes from a rookie.

[KBRed]

Buccaneers activate QB Rudy Carpenter...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just sent out an announcement that could make Sunday’s game with the Carolina Panthers much more interesting.

The Bucs said they have promoted quarterback Rudy Carpenter to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. That could be a sign the Bucs might rest starter Josh Freeman, who has been limited by a shoulder injury all week.

Freeman was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. Freeman has not missed a start since taking over the job midway through his rookie season. Backup QB Josh Johnson has not started a game since 2009.

The Bucs have said Freeman’s status will be a game-day decision. Linebacker Zac Diles was released in a move to create the roster spot for Carpenter.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/28342/buccaneers-activate-rudy-carpenter

We are going to come out guns a blazin'.

[Wither]

We should try to avoid Smitty, throwing to him usually leads to interceptions, especially when Newton throws high.

You high?

[ed bell]

Must win game...for momentum, overcoming adversity, development, and divisional pride.....go get it done....

[Chaos]

Damn, hate it for Zac Diles.

[CarolinaPanthers2K11]

Must win game...for momentum, overcoming adversity, development, and divisional pride.....go get it done....

Especially if Josh Freeman isn't playing... Holy crap if we lose to this crap team's BACKUPS, I will be PISSED.