The poll
Who is to blame for the Bucs' disappointing season so far?
GM Mark Dominik: 4 percent
Total: 694 votes
By the numbers
9-13 Bucs' record against the Panthers.
30 Combined touchdowns for Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (17 passing, 13 rushing), an NFL rookie record.
18 Passing yards Newton needs to break Peyton Manning's rookie record of 3,722 set in 1998.
5 Catches Carolina's Steve Smith needs to break Muhsin Muhammad's franchise record of 696.
3 Consecutive games in which Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman has failed to throw for at least 200 yards.
141.1 Rushing yards allowed per game by the Bucs, 30th in the NFL.
What they're saying
With Josh Freeman back at quarterback after missing Tampa Bay's first game against the Panthers, coach Ron Rivera said it's likely to alter the Bucs' play-calling. With Freeman, who was replaced by Josh Johnson in the Panthers' 38-19 win three weeks ago, the Bucs are more likely to throw more deep passes, particularly if the Panthers' secondary is missing strong safety Charles Godfrey and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.
Roy Green Jr. Charlotte Observer
Tampa Bay's LeGarrette Blount has gained 55 percent of his yards after contact. Blount has gained 417 yards (No. 20 in the NFL) after the first hit and averages 2.4 yards after contact.
Pat Yasinskas ESPN.com
The picks
“You know what I love about Cam?" owner Jerry Richardson of the Panthers told me the other day about Cam Newton. "He hates to lose. He really hates to lose. That's something I really like to see in our team leaders." It has taken Newton about five months to become one of the main ones on this team. Panthers, 34-13
Peter King Sports Illustrated
The Bucs looked lifeless against the Cowboys last week while the Panthers showed some fight in beating Houston. Carolina's offense is the best unit of the four on the field, and that will play out here. Tampa Bay has packed for the offseason. Carolina big. Panthers, 33-20
Pete Prisco CBSSports.com
The Buccaneers have already lost as many games as they won in 2010, not surprising given the way Raheem Morris built his roster. Speaking of surprises, the Panthers did that to Houston last week. Panthers, 30-17
Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Bucs at Panthers
1 p.m., Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5 FM
Line/over-under: Panthers by 7½; 47½
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17 |
| Lions Lions 27, Bucs 20 (0-1) |
at Vikings Bucs 24, Vikings 20 (1-1) |
Falcons Bucs 16, Falcons 13 (2-1) |
Colts Bucs 24, Colts 17 (3-1) |
at 49ers 49ers 48, Bucs 3 (3-2) |
Saints Bucs 26, Saints 20 (4-2) |
Bears Bears 24, Bucs 18 (4-3) |
at Saints Saints 27, Bucs 16 (4-4) |
Texans Texans 37, Bucs 9 (4-5) |
at Packers Packers 35, Bucs 26 (4-6) |
at Titans Titans 23, Bucs 17 (4-7) |
Panthers Panthers 38, Bucs 19 (4-8) |
at Jaguars Jaguars 41, Bucs 14 (4-9) |
Cowboys Cowboys 31, Bucs 15 (4-10) |
at Panthers 1 p.m. today Ch. 13 |
at Falcons 1 p.m. Jan. 1, Ch. 13 |
Coach Raheem Morris: 36 percent
The Glazers: 33 percent
The players: 27 percent
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