Panthers (4-1) at Bucs (3-2)
Week 6
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: WTVT Channel 13 (DirecTV/NFL Sunday Ticket 710).
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (in Tampa WFUS-FM, 103.5 and WDAE-AM, 620); Sirius Channel 140.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, perfect Florida weather to start the game with a forecast kickoff temperature of 86 and sunny with expected thunderstorms in the second half.
Odds: Per Bodog.com, Bucs -1.5.
Outlook: While it may be too early to label this game a “must win” situation, a loss would put the Bucs two games behind Carolina in the NFC South race.
The two teams are somewhat mirror images of each other. The Panthers have a nasty defense and a powerful running game. The Bucs could have a powerful running game if Chucky would allow it. His words of wanting to run the ball are quite hollow to Joe.

The Bucs will have to play their best game on both sides of the ball. Fortunately Jeff Garcia will be starting at quarterback and not Son of Bob. That give the Bucs a bit of an advantage. If Chucky can refrain from being Chucky for just once, and pound the ball, the Bucs have a good chance. If Chucky is Chucky and decides to try to force passes 35+ times a game, it will play right into the Panthers’ hands and Joe is not very confident the Bucs will be able to pull out a win.