CAROLINA VS. BUCCANEERS

                                   LINE: Bucs -1 1/2      TK vs. Spread  3-0-1   

     Interesting developments so far in the NFC South.  New Orleans is struggling and Atlanta is not.  Anyone have that pick?  Then there's the Bucs and first place-Carolina.

        Carolina has settled in offensively with Jake Delhomme back at QB and Steve Smith is off suspension and he's helped big time.  On the flip side, the Bucs offense will likely go with QB Jeff Garcia.  My concern: What's Brian Griese's status for Sunday period?  Will he back up Garcia? 

         This is a threshold game for the Bucs.  If they don't think it is, they're fooling themselves.  Bucs need a win over Carolina or fall two games back of Panthers in division.  Bucs must take advantage of each home opportunity, and this is a big one.

          Bucs defense should be primed for this one, but what is the true status of LB Barrett Ruud?  Is he ready for Sunday?  A year ago, it wasn't that glaring. This year is a whole different story.  Ruud is having a All-Pro season.  Adam Hayward or Matt McCoy are not Ruud.  If Ruud is out, look for Carolina to exploit that area.

           The boys in Vegas opened with the Bucs as three point favorites.  Right now the line is Bucs - 1 1/2.  That's a big swing, with many putting their faith in the Panthers.  I have not been to Bucs Headquarters this week.  Therefore, I don't have a personal feel of what's going on over there and the feeling behind it.  If this wasn't for entertainment reasons only, I would pass on this game.  A late Bucs TD last Sunday pushed my pick of Denver  -3.  We'd be 4-0 going into this week (didn't pick Bears game). 

            Here we go......I'm backing the boys this week.  Banking on the defense to keep this game close.  Would be nice to see the Bucs offense pick up the slack! 

                                          TK'S PICK      BUCS - 1 1/2