From the Tampa Tribune

[ladypanther]

A couple of interesting articles:

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/bucs/2012/sep/06/4/bucs-defense-eager-to-go-on-the-attack-ar-484373/

A year ago, teams were generally impressed with the Rutgers defense. Using what has been described as an attack-oriented scheme, the Scarlet Knights led the Big East in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense.

The Bucs, who ranked 30th in total defense in 2011, will strive for similar results — and in much the same way. The scheme has been described by players as very aggressive and attack-oriented, particularly up front.

"It's totally different from what we've done in the past,'' left end Michael Bennett said. "Last year and the year before we tried to read the play and then react to it. This year, we're just going and trying to make the play as we go, and I like that. I like the pressure, the freedom to just go.''

The linebackers will have similar assignments. Instead of hanging back on the second level and trying to diagnose the play as they did under former defensive bosses Raheem Morris and Monte Kiffin, they will attack the line of scrimmage to force plays backward or sideways.

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/bucs/2012/sep/07/spsporto2-panthers-rbs-a-concern-ar-485699/

Panthers QB Cam Newton is an eclipsing figure. Now entering just his second season in the league, he possesses a skill set so vast and threatening it blocks out virtually everything else around him.

He certainly commands more attention from the media than any other Panthers player, but football teams like the Buccaneers cannot afford to have such a singular focus.

Though Newton has commanded a great deal of their attention, the Bucs are just as worried about some of the players around Newton, particularly the three running backs working behind him.

"I think it will be a major challenge for us,'' Bucs defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan said of stopping Panthers running backs DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert.

"Completely outside of the quarterback run game, out of the shotgun, that you always have to worry about with Cam, their conventional running attack is outstanding.''

Stewart probably won't play. He left the Panthers' Aug. 27 preseason game against the Jets with an ankle injury and did not practice again on Thursday, meaning he likely will miss Sunday's game.

What remains, though, is a formidable duo. Williams ran for 836 yards last year, but he averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Tolbert, meanwhile, has long been considered one of the league's best third-down options.

"Williams alone is an outstanding running back, and Tolbert creates another threat,'' Sheridan said. "He can run the ball and he's a very physical blocker and pass catcher, so outside the guns runs with Newton, they pose a real, real challenge for our front seven just with their conventional run game.''

http://www2.tbo.com/news/bucs/2012/sep/06/3/with-new-weapons-freeman-looks-for-bounce-back-sea-ar-485601/

Freeman's interceptions soared from six to 22 and the Bucs finished 4-12. The 2009 first-round pick out of Kansas State admittedly tried to do too much, forcing too many passes into too many tight windows as Tampa Bay repeatedly fell behind early.

Enter new coach Greg Schiano and Ron Turner, Freeman's third quarterback coach in his four NFL seasons.

"Coach Schiano talks about it all the time — the ball, the ball, the ball,'' Freeman said. "It's all about protecting the ball and winning the turnover battle. That's where our minds are at. The ultimate goal throughout the game is to protect the football.''

To help in their long-range evaluation of Freeman, the Bucs surrounded him with more offensive talent in the offseason.

[TruCatzFan]

Some pretty good finds there. Too bad they're just some fluff pieces to try and excite a fan base prior to week one. Reality will set in at 4:15 come Sunday.

Attack if you will... But I guarantee that this Offense will make u pay every single time!!!

[Donald LaFell]

the 2nd article mentions Freeman having a 106.4 passer rating against us in 3 meetings? o_0

He's seen us more than 3 times and a few times he was awful.

[Black]

the 2nd article mentions Freeman having a 106.4 passer rating against us in 3 meetings? o_0

He's seen us more than 3 times and a few times he was awful.

He has only started against us four times, and the last three were hardly awful. Not to mention, his one start against us his rookie year he went for 321 yards, by far his highest total as a rookie, although we did pick him off five times.

But as for the three starts they're referring to:

12/24 for 178 and 2 TD's 0 INT RATING: 102.4

18/24 for 241 and 2TD's 0 INT RATING: 134.2

28/38 for 274 yards and 1 TD 1 INT Rating: 91.3 (also rushed for a TD)

[Donald LaFell]

He has only started against us four times, and the last three were hardly awful. Not to mention, his one start against us his rookie year he went for 321 yards, by far his highest total as a rookie, although we did pick him off five times.

But as for the three starts they're referring to:

12/24 for 178 and 2 TD's 0 INT RATING: 102.4

18/24 for 241 and 2TD's 0 INT RATING: 134.2

28/38 for 274 yards and 1 TD 1 INT Rating: 91.3 (also rushed for a TD)

thanks for the perspective. I remember he completed a bunch of passes during the christmas blowout, the whole team played so poorly it kind of skewed my memory.

[redbuddha]

"You can't say it's an absolute, but for a guy who has never played in front of more than 12,000 people, the big crowd maybe makes you tighten up a little bit, whereas (a guy like) Mark Barron coming from Alabama where there's 100,000 every week, I don't think this is going to be too big for him."

Sounds like they plan to go after Amini!

[Jackofalltrades]

"You can't say it's an absolute, but for a guy who has never played in front of more than 12,000 people, the big crowd maybe makes you tighten up a little bit, whereas (a guy like) Mark Barron coming from Alabama where there's 100,000 every week, I don't think this is going to be too big for him."

Sounds like they plan to go after Amini!

That's my concern, luckily he's sandwiched between two All Pro's. He'll get a trial by fire this week and I'm sure McD has gone after him in practice too.

[JawnyBlaze]

"You can't say it's an absolute, but for a guy who has never played in front of more than 12,000 people, the big crowd maybe makes you tighten up a little bit, whereas (a guy like) Mark Barron coming from Alabama where there's 100,000 every week, I don't think this is going to be too big for him."

Sounds like they plan to go after Amini!

I'm sure Amini is going to be on the field pondering how many people are in the stands...

First snap of the game: "Oh fug, there's more than 12,000 people in the stands! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!!?"

[JawnyBlaze]

Besides, this is Tampa Bay, there might not be much more than he's used to anyway, heh.

[nctarheel0619]

I swear, if Cam took a step toward being the next Aaron Rodgers I would cream my pants.

[panthers90]

Did I miss something or did JStew have a setback? That article said he probably won't play, while Rivera has been saying otherwise...

[nctarheel0619]

Did I miss something or did JStew have a setback? That article said he probably won't play, while Rivera has been saying otherwise...

John Clayton said "it doesn't look good for him to play." Last night as well. I'll believe Rivera over those dudes at this point.

[Tarheels23]

Cute article, but everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth.

[nctarheel0619]

Seems as though every sports outlet thinks J-Stew won't play tomorrow because he didn't practice all week.