Usually when these two teams meet there are playoff implications involved. This season the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only have one win combined. They meet this Sunday in week six of the NFL season in Tampa and both teams need this win.
The Bucs go into Sunday's game against the Panthers with a dismal 0-5 record. Last week they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 33-14.
This is the worst start to a season for the Bucs in a long time. If they are not able to win on Sunday, then the Bucs could be heading to another 0-9 start of the season as they did back in 1985.
The Panthers won their first game of the season last week against the Washington Redskins 20-17. The win came off of a bye week and the Panthers are hoping to ride the momentum from last week's win this Sunday against the Bucs.
The Panthers are 1-3 for the season and playoff hopes are not dashed completely yet. If the Panthers hope to make the playoffs they must win every game for the rest of the season.
It will still be a difficult task for the Panthers to make the playoffs. New Orleans Saints lead the NFC South with a 4-0 record. It is possible still though; the Panthers went 12-4 last year.
The Panthers lead the series against the Bucs 10-7. Panthers won their last meeting in December 2008 by a score of 38-23. In last season's week six, the Bucs beat the Panthers at home 27-3.
The keys to Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium is who controls the line of scrimmage. The Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has been sacked ten times so far this season. He has had very little time to throw to his star receiver Steve Smith.
The Bucs defense will hope to continue this problem for Delhomme. They sacked the Eagles Donvan McNabb three times during last week's loss.
The Panthers can help their passing game by getting their non-existent running game going. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were a potent combination last season for the Panthers. Since the Panthers have gotten so behind in so many games this year, the Panthers running backs have not been a key factor in the Panthers games.
The last key for the Panthers is Julius Peppers needs to step up to his playing potential. If Peppers plays the game that the Panthers fans have grown to expect, then Bucs quarterback Josh Johnson could face a long day.
Sunday's matchup against the Panthers will only be Johnson's third start. He has already been sacked six times this season. In their win last week over the Redskins, the Panthers sacked Jason Campbell five times.
Johnson's receivers must help the young quarterback out. Last week against the Eagles, the Bucs receivers dropped five passes.
It is also key for the Bucs to get their running game going if they hope to win against the Panthers. If Davin Joseph can move the chains, then the Bucs can control the clock.
Sunday's matchup between the Panthers vs the Bucs is a must win game for both teams. The Bucs are looking to snap a nine game losing streak; going back to last season. The Panthers hope to keep their playoff hopes alive and start a winning streak of their own.
Written by Denise Clay
Hickory, NC
Exclusive to HULIQ
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