Bucs at Panthers: 12/11/05

Offense

Quarterbacks: A-

Simms was, once again, a game manager, not putting up huge numbers, or throwing any TD passes. More importantly, he was accurate (21 of 27) with several drops, and did not throw any interceptions or fumble the ball. That makes this game the 3rd, out of the last 5, in which he hasn't had any turnovers, with the other two games having just the one pick and the one fumble. Simms was able to stand poised in the pocket and deliver the right throw time after time, converting several big third downs. He helped lead the team to the decisive TD that put the game away for good after the pick by Ronde. Right now Simms looks like a veteran QB and seems to be reading defenses as nearly as well as Griese was, without throwing that dumb pass that Brian seemed to throw each and every game. Simms INT% is now down to 2.4% which is stellar. Most QB's are in the 3% range. Peyton is just over 2%, to give you an idea of what level he's playing at. This was another very strong performance, and you know that Gruden has got to be smiling from ear to ear with this kid's development. This team looks like it finally has a franchise QB.

Running Backs: A-

The holes were small, and the Panthers frequently got to our running backs with great speed, but Williams still managed to break tackles, or drag guys forward, and continue get some positive yardage. While the average wasn't great, he racked up 112 yards total, and helped the Bucs hold on to the ball for long periods of time, while ripping off to nice TD runs of 14 and 10 yards. The second TD was on third and 9 from the 10, which shows how impressive it was. The Panthers are a tough team to run on, and the Bucs had to work really hard for it, but they got their first 100 yard rushing effort against them since 1998. Alstott also caught a pass that he turned into a first down, and flew over the line to pick up a third down conversion, but was stopped on another one with a poor spot. Alstott blocked very well in front of Williams and during pass protection. Pittman and Williams both blocked well in pass protection (except one time when Williams let Peppers go by without chipping him) and caught passes, 2 by Williams. All around a very good game from this group.

Wide Receivers: B+

The receivers made plays most of the game, including on some big third down conversions. Hilliard has a breakout game for the Bucs by catching 5 passes, and converting a couple of third downs. Galloway didn't catch any deep balls, but hauled in 4 catches. Clayton caught one pass, but it was a huge catch and run for 12 yards and another 3rd down conversion. Two negative items are behind the B range grade. The first item is the dropping of catchable passes. Galloway had a a couple of drops, including a deep ball that he should have been able to haul in. Clayton also had a drop which would have been for a first down and possibly some big yardage with a run after. The other item is, of course, the shortage of yards gained after the catch. There wasn't a lot of YAC in this game, and the passing yards show that statistic pretty well. Still, a very solid game.

Tight Ends: A-

The tight ends blocked well in the passing and running games. One play in particular really stood out when Alex Smith single handedly blocked Peppers. As each game passes, Smith looks more and more like he will be an elite Tight End within the next year. He also caught a couple of passes. Overall, the Tight Ends did what they needed to do to help this offense hold the ball and score.

Offensive Line: A-

While the offensive line wasn't able to open huge holes, nor protect Simms all the time, it was able to open enough holes and provide enough protection to allow Gruden to get the offense going more than in recently. The Bucs were able to go three wide on occasion because the line was able to block the Panther's front 4 most of the game. They did give up a sack and a few pressures, but that happened far less often than the last time the Bucs played this team. The running game also managed to be a factor as the Bucs were able to open some holes, though small, where Caddy could bust through and grind out some yardage. That consistent play allowed the Bucs' offense to have one of their best efforts against a stingy Panthers' defense. The key match-up was Kenyatta vs. Peppers, and, for most of the game, Kenyatta won this match-up. Peppers, being the great DE he is, managed to make a couple of plays on him, but that was it. The line needs to build on this performance going forward. If they do, this line will be doing some good things at the right time: heading into the playoffs.

Defense

Defensive Line: A

The defensive line didn't rack up a lot of statistics, but their play was dominating. They consistently closed the pocket on Delhomme, making him make quicker throws, while also shutting down the running lanes. Hovan's performance against Davis on two straight plays (3rd and 2 then 4th and 2) was great. He stuffed Davis two plays in a row, and the Bucs offense took over from there. Wyms, who got caught for a face mask personal foul, came right back and stripped the ball from Delhomme, though the Panthers did recover it. White got a sack, and Rice drew double teams from time to time. This group did allow the Panthers to run out side on occasion, but that was rare. Overall, they had a very big impact on the inability of the Panthers to convert on third down, and thereby their ability to score.

Linebackers: A

These guys were everywhere. From dropping back into pass coverage, to coming up and knocking the snot out of the running back. Quarles and Brooks were playing at a Pro-Bowl level all game long. Nece made a couple of big plays as well. The only area they had problems with was when the Panthers pulled their linemen outside with Foster running behind. They didn't hit the gaps right on a couple of those plays, which allowed the Panthers to get some nice runs on the edges. Otherwise, an excellent game from this group.

Defensive Backs: A-

I don't want to be too critical of this group, but most of the Panthers' yardage came through the air, so they have to take some of the heat. Dexter Jackson missed a pick for 6 by just a hair, and that hair turned into a 60 yard catch and run by Smith. Smith, in fact, finished the game with 103 yards. Delhomme finished with 220 yard passing. Once again we saw this unit play a little soft in spots, but, for most of the game, they played a lot tighter and really made a difference. These guys were flying around knocking the heck out of anyone they could tag. Smith got tattooed by Will Allen, who knocked him into next week. Smith had to come out of the game for a while after that hit. Jermaine Philips was lighting up anyone in his way, getting several nice hits on Foster. It was a physical game by this group. But the most important play happened when, up 13-3, with the Panthers driving and looking to get the ball in the endzone, Ronde stepped in front of Proehl, at the goal line, to pick off his 4th pass and returned it 35 yards. The Bucs would then take the ball down the field and punch it in to make it 20-3 and effectively end the game with less than 6 minutes remaining. On the next series, Ronde did what no other cornerback as ever done, sacking Delhomme for his 20th sack, and becoming only the 7th player with 20 picks and 20 sacks. Two safeties and 4 linebackers have previously done it. In the end, there would be no miracle comeback from the Panthers. The secondary held when it needed to, and the Bucs won.

Special Teams: B+

Until Steve Smith ripped off his big return to help spark a potential Panthers rally, the Special Teams were playing with an A grade. Most of the game they did an excellent job covering kicks, while also getting some nice returns of their own, without penalties. Mark Jones ripped off a long punt return that had him setup to return it all the way except the punter managed to dive in and just get his hand on Mark's left foot, tripping him up. Otherwise he was gone. Bidwell managed to single handedly turn the field position around when he booted a 58 yard punt after the Bucs failed to do anything on their first drive. That punt landed the Panthers around the 10 yard line, where they would be held to 3 and out. From them on, the Bucs won the field position battle all game long. Bryant returned to action and nailed all four kicks (2 FG's, 2 XP's). A solid game from a group that has seen some bad one's this season.

Coaching: A

The coaching wasn't 100% perfect, but this was probably the best coached game the Bucs have had all season long. Gruden had the Panthers confused on defense, and used the right schemes to give Simms time to throw the ball. The offense was able to control the clock, while also driving all the way in for two TD's and two FG's. Monte also showed his stuff when, after the defense was giving up a lot of yards on several plays of the Panthers' opening drive, he changed some things up on the defense and, from that point on, the Panthers' offense was highly ineffective. The defense held the Panthers to 2 of 11 on third downs, something that they haven't been doing lately. Even the Special Teams played well, and disciplined, for most of the game. All around, this was one of the most impressive wins this team has had in years. To go in and beat the Panthers like this, when they've lost 5 straight to them, and barely beaten them the two times in 2002, says a lot. This could be a springboard game for this team. Now its' up to the coaches too make sure that the team doesn't have a let down in the next three games. The Bucs are in control of the Division now. If they win out, they'll win the South and they'll host at least one playoff game.