In Brief
DeAngelo Williams has yet to have a standout game this season.
(Chuck Burton / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
The Panthers compiled a franchise-record 299 yards on the ground in a 38-23 drubbing of the Buccaneers in Week 14 of last season.
Streaks:
The two teams have split their last four meetings, but the Panthers have a 10-7 overall series edge.
Last week:
Carolina got its first victory of the season by rallying past Washington, 20-17. ... Tampa Bay was unable to keep up with Philadelphia and suffered a 33-14 loss.
Keep your eye on ...
DeAngelo Williams' production out of the backfield: A season ago, Williams rushed for 1,515 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He has not found that form so far this year and is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry with only two touchdowns. This Sunday will give Williams perhaps his best chance to breakout as he faces a Bucs team he ran for a career-high 186 yards against last season.
Julius Peppers' emergence: Through the first three weeks, there was nary a mention of Peppers. He had only one sack and was largely a non-factor. In last week's win over the Redskins, Peppers had his best game of the season, tallying two sacks and contributing to a safety. The Panthers will need him at his best as they try to contend with fleet Bucs QB Josh Johnson.
Raheem Morris' leadership: While Morris has brought a youthful enthusiasm to the sideline, his players have yet to respond to the chest bumps he gives them with on-field performance. Standing at 0-5, Morris has to convince his team to stick together and trust the game plan.
Did you know?
Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is 8-2 in 10 career starts against the Buccaneers. ... Since 2005, Carolina WR Steve Smith averages 85.8 receiving yards per game, which is the most in the NFL (minimum of 50 games). ... When he was still with the Giants, RB Derrick Ward had a career-high 215 rushing yards on 15 attempts (14.3 yard average) in his last game against the Panthers. ... TE Kellen Winslow had his first 100-yard receiving game for the Buccaneers last week, with nine receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
