Carolina Panthers Visit Tampa Bay Buccaneers As 3 Point Favorites

NFL News - October 13th, 2009 - Written by Scott

In a NFC South matchup on Sunday, two of the worst teams in the NFL will collide as Carolina travels to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Both teams have gotten off to horrible starts, so this should prove to be an interesting matchup. The Panthers (1-3) notched their first win of the year in their last game 20-17 against Washington. Tampa Bay (0-5) was hampered by turnovers in Week 5 and lost to Philadelphia 33-14. These two teams mirror each other, as far as their lack of production on both sides of the ball, so this should be a great game.

The Carolina Panthers have had much trouble producing on the offensive side of the ball. They are averaging only 14.2 points per game, which is ranked 28th in the league, and have only scored 6 touchdowns the entire season. The lone bright spot in their offense has been the play of quarterback Jake Delhomme, despite his 8 interceptions on the year. He has thrown for 782 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the Panthers are only averaging 184 yards per game. Their running game has been non-existent as well. In averaging only 97 yards per game on the ground, DeAngelo Williams is their leader with 220 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Steve Smith has not put up impressive stats as in years past and the lack of production at quarterback has not helped. He has not found the end zone this year and has only 255 yards receiving.

The only positive thing that the Panthers' defense can take pride in has been their passing defense. They are ranked second in the league and are only allowing 165 yards per game. On the flip side, they are giving up 26 points per contest and allowing 135 yards per game on the ground.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just can not find a way to produce on offense as well. Turnovers have plagued Tampa Bay and they are only averaging 13 points per game. They have rotated quarterbacks and went with Josh Johnson in their loss to Philadelphia. He has thrown for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns, but has 4 picks on the year. It has not been a typical year on the ground for the Bucs, as they are only getting 94 yards per game rushing. Cadillac Williams is the leader in their rushing attack, but, he only has 199 yards and has found the end zone just once. They have struggled through the air as well. Kellen Winslow is their leading receiver with 257 yards and has 4 of their team's 9 touchdowns.

Their defense has not been able to stop anyone this year and are ranked near the end in every defensive statistical category. The Bucs are allowing their opponents 379 yards per game and are giving up 28 points. They have only forced 7 turnovers on the year as well.

Carolina will be favored by 3 on the road against Tampa Bay according to BetUs Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 40. This should make for a great battle between two teams who are hurting on both sides of the ball.

Check out the rest of the Week 6 NFL Game Previews for all of this Sunday's games.

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