Average Analysis: Tampa, Round 1

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

So I was walking down the street the other day and noticed this dead dog in the gutter. With all the bugs and everything crawling on it, it still looked like it was moving and showing signs of life, but it was a lie. I was hypnotized and stared for a full five minutes. And then I thought "HOLY F&@K WE'RE PLAYING THE BUCS!!!!"

Offense

Jake Delhomme is not going to turn any heads with his distinctly average passing stats and is going to come under a lot more fire until he can get through a game without throwing one of those patented INT's, but if he can transfer the heart and determination from his balls-out first down run against Washington into a full game he'll go a long way to quieting down some critics for at least a little while. Recieving appears to be a non-issue, especially since the tight ends are continuing to be a solid pressence in the recieving game, but routes still look a little sloppy and that is causing more than a few issues for an already frustrated quarterback. Rushing, on the other hand, has all but died out entirely. Stewart is still explosive against the pile, but Williams hasn't quite found his groove against the new defensive mindsets he's facing. With a lot of other problem areas clearly being addressed so far this season, it would be nice to see the run game show its renaissance this weekend. The Tampa defensive side of this equation have done nothing to impress this season and that should continue. Outside of Mr. Ruud, they are across the board average at best. If they are going to show their own signs of life, now would be the time to do it.

Defense

Anyone want to tell me that Hollis Thomas didn't have a decent effect here? Jon Beason went from putting up average numbers to being the weekly leading tackler and recording his first career sack in one week. That giant sack of flour we put out there did his part, helping the Panthers contain the Washington run game fairly well. Meanwhile, the million dollar a game man finally showed some signs of life even if it was against a weak opponent. Overall, I'm pleased with how things are coming together on this side of the ball, and you should be too. By the way, this Captain Munnerlyn kid looks like he could turn in to the real deal in as little time as next season. If you aren't paying attention to #41, start now. Tampa's offense, meanwhile, is damn near identical to the Panthers which would explain why there is only a 2.2 yard per game difference between the two teams productivity (in the Bucs favor, if your curious). A new QB is not the magic formula here though, so I'm not expecting a whole lot there.

Special Teams

If Kenneth Moore isn't returning kicks on a more permanant basis, I will personally drive down to Charlotte and kick every coach I can find square in the teeth. And I think that pretty much sums up my views there.

Overall

No doubts about it, this will be a boring game. Fans of the two teams will be entertained, everyone else will just be annoyed that they are watching this and not that Giants/Saints game (NOLA will walk out of that war with a win, I think). So kick back, grab a frosty beverage, and continue to enjoy the weakest part of the schedule while you can.

Final Prediction

Carolina 24 Tampa Bay 10