The Panthers are a younger team than the Bucs, even with soon-to-be fossil Jake Delhomme at quarterback.

Joe’s not a big fan of meaningless lists and predictions. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t read them and comtemplate their meaning.

A stat geek at BSPN calculated the new NFL rosters and the Bucs check in as the 28th youngest team in the league.

No surprise there, but Joe initially was surprised to see the Panthers at No. 29. If the Bucs finish behind the Panthers, they won’t be able to use the “young team” excuse. And that’s good. No excuses are a good thing.

The veteran Saints are No. 2, and the Falcons’ rank No. 11.