Tampa Bay ended a five-game home losing streak against Carolina, and in the process took over the top spot in the NFC South with its 27-3 victory on Sunday. And it was all thanks to Jeff Garcia!
Well, not really, but Garcia reclaimed his starting job and played like you would expect Jeff Garcia to play. He was accurate, didn't turn the ball over, and even threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alex Smith.
In all honesty though, if there was an offensive star for the Buccaneers, it was probably 33-year old running back Warrick Dunn, as the 12-year veteran picked up 115 yards on 22 carries for his first 100-yard game of the season. Actually, it was Dunn's most productive day running the football since week two of the 2006 season when he picked up 134 yards as a member of the Falcons.
The Buccaneers opened the scoring in the first quarter when Geno Hayes blocked a Jason Baker punt and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown. That would be all Tampa Bay needed, as its defense was dominant, picking off Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme three times, and holding Carolina to just 40 yards rushing on 20 attempts. DeAngelo Williams was held to just 27 yards on 11 carries, while Jonathan Stewart carried the ball six times for 12 yards.
Both teams now sit at 4-2 atop the NFC South, while the Buccaneers host Seattle next Sunday night. Carolina has another big divisional contest when it returns home to take on New Orleans.
