Despite Steve Smith's circus catch against Green Bay last week, the Panthers get about the same national respect as the Bucs. And that's not much.

At 9-3, the Bucs find themselves on the defensive throughout much of the media.

The pundits have been trying to drop all kinds of asterisks on the Bucs record, and few seem impressed by Tampa Bay’s No. 2 seed in the NFC.

This is one lonely bandwagon.

Joe believes this is a byproduct of Tampa Bay’s lack of glamour players on offense, the growing national dislike of Chucky and far too many offensive players serving as analysts, when compared to defensive players.

Usually, these days the Bucs get a shamefully slight nod to the defense followed by a big slap to the offense, “They win ugly and they’re hard to watch” and “They can’t win in the playoffs with this kind of offense” are among the typical shots taken.

That’s part of what makes Monday night’s matchup in Carolina so interesting, as the Panthers get the same type of disrespect.  

Panthers coach John Fox got short with the media this week as they grilled him for the defensive shortcomings of his 9-3 squad. The Panthers have allowed 22, 45 and 31 points in its past three games.

“I don’t know where you’re really going with this, but all I’d say is I think we’re in the top third in the league in defense, I think we’re 9-3 and it’s a team game and yards don’t win game, points do. So I hope that answers all your questions in one.”

Unless the Bucs put together the perfect game on Monday, they’ll likely win “ugly,” if they win at all. 

Joe is sure a win would make the Bucs the least respected 10-3 team in history.