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Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Betting Odds

Written October 12, 2008 by Brad Marchetti

The Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC South brawl will feature a “sleeper” Panthers team looking to put the kill on the Bucs. Tampa Bay will see an old friendly face in QB Jeff Garcia, who should provide an upgrade over Brian Griese. The Panthers have been playing sound, fundamental football John Fox style. The Panthers are a solid team on both sides of the ball and are off to a hot 4-1 start. The NFL betting odds for the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is Tampa -1.5 on the SPREAD.

Jeff Garcia runs the Tampa West Coast offense effectively, and intelligently with his mobility. Tampa has a monster RB in Earnest Graham, (450+ Bench-Press) who drives the opposing defenses to the ground with his punishing style. 11th year veteran RB Warrick Dunn (5.1 YPC) is playing like an elite back in his prime. Tampa’s 15th ranked offense will meet the Panthers 7th ranked defense. The Carolina defense is coming off a shutout performance vs Kansas City. After reviewing film of Carolina’s defense, Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden walked out of the film room. “I had to turn the film off and go for a walk,” he said. “I got a little nervous, you know what I mean?” The Carolina defense has a vicious D-Line. DE Julius Peppers (500+ Bench-Press) has 3.0 sacks. Carolina LB Jon Beason (4.50 40-speed) is a punisher in a Panthers run game that is allowing only 3.8 yards per carry. The Panthers have created 10.0 sacks on defense an have been strong against the air game (71.0 opposing passer rating). The Panthers struggle however, with teams that use the quick passing game like Tampa. Tampa Bay #1 WR Joey Galloway is listed as questionable with a foot injury. The NFL betting odds OVERUNDER is at 37 points in the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

Buccaneers 6′5″ 260 Lb. DE Gaines Adams is playing at a Pro-bowl level. The Buccaneers quick, and instinctive linebackers have held tight for 3.7 YPC in rushing defense. Carolina’s 12th ranked offense is well-balanced, with big-play capability at the skill positions. Rookie 235 Lb. RB Jonathan Stewart (4.40 40-speed) is averaging 4.2 yards per carry along with DeAngelo Williams (4.40 40-speed) who is running at a 4.1 YPC clip. The Panthers solid O-line (9 Sacks 141 pass attempts) has done a fine job. Tampa Bay has a stable secondary allowing a 76.5 passer rating, backing up the formidable front seven. John Fox had this to say about his offense this season “I don’t think we wanted to be 8-8 two years ago or 7-9 last year. The reality is we didn’t have a quarterback a year ago,” Fox said. “Those things happen. … When you can’t throw the ball it’s rough.” This season Fox can throw the ball plenty with QB Jake Delhomme (90.6 passer rating) who has a scary WR in Steve Smith (4.35 40-speed). Delhomme also has an emerging star in 6′4″ 250 Lb. TE Dante Rosario, who has soft hands and runs good routes. Physical, Panthers #2 WR Muhsin Muhammad (25 Rec. 358 Yds. 2 TD) will be faced with a strong Buccaneers secondary. MLB Barret Rudd is listed as questionable with a knee injury. The NFL betting odds MONEYLINE for the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is Tampa -120.

This should be a good game between two well-coached teams. Jon Gruden’s team plays well at home but Carolina plays well also at Raymond James Stadium. With our free NFL picks we are taking Tampa.

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