FIRST HALF: A blocked punt for a touchdown and two costly Jake Delhomme interceptions have the Panthers in a 17-3 hole at halftime. On a positive note, it could be worse. The Bucs really should be winning by more.
PREGAME: Right tackle Jeff Otah and center Ryan Kalil are inactive today for the Panthers, meaning Jeremy Bridges will get the start at right tackle, while Geoff Hangartner gets the nod at center. There is one surprise as Darwin Walker will be inactive while Gary Gibson will get a jersey.
The other inactives for the Panthers are receivers D.J. Hackett and Kenneth Moore, safety Quinton Teal, linebacker James Anderson and quarterback Matt Moore (3rd quarterback).
Here are Tampa Bay's inactives: QB Brian Griese, FB B.J. Askew, LB Matt McCoy, G Anthony Davis, OT James Lee, WR Joey Galloway, DT Greg Peterson and QB Josh Johnson (3rd quarterback). For the Bucs, Jeff Garcia will start at quarterback and Michael Clayton will start in Galloway's spot instead of Ike Hilliard. Byron Storer will start for Askew.