Breakdowns are starting up front

TAMPA -- There have been moments this season when the offensive line has held its own and moments when it has looked like a work in progress.

And though the pass protection is improved from last season -- the Bucs have given up 21 sacks through eight games, compared with 29 last season -- Sunday's effort against the Panthers was proof that more work has to be done.

A lot more work. The Bucs gave up six sacks and, on a significant number of other plays, quarterback Rob Johnson had to scramble for his life.

"There were a couple of things that happened that were inexcusable," coach Jon Gruden said. "And I said Sunday that they were embarrassing. We just need to be more disciplined in terms of our communication, in terms of our sets, in the heat of the battle.

"When the guard is expecting a guy to be here and the center is expecting a guy to be there, they have to be there. And that's basically what occurred in a couple of key situations. We have to play a lot better on the offensive line."

Some credit goes to the Panthers defensive line, which leads the league with 31 sacks. And kudos should be showered on rookie defensive end Julius Peppers, who proved to be quite the challenge for second-year right tackle Kenyatta Walker.

Peppers, who leads the league with nine sacks, had two plus 6 tackles and 1 forced fumble.

"He's a good player," Walker said. "You know what? Sometimes you beat the bear, sometimes the bear beats you. I might be the only cat that gets into a slump and it's like quicksand, pulling me down. ... I just have to play. He's good, don't take anything away from him. But I have him again (Nov. 17), and it's going to be interesting."

ONLY TWO PER GAME: If you're curious why the Bucs didn't challenge the official's incomplete pass call on a fourth-quarter catch by Reggie Barlow, it's because they used both their allotted challenges in the first half.

"I don't like that rule," Gruden said. "I usually use them up in the first quarter."

Replays showed Barlow had possession and the ground caused the fumble.

The Bucs challenged a second-quarter reception by receiver Steve Smith. The challenge was upheld and it reversed a 39-yard gain. On the Bucs' ensuing possession, Peppers forced a Johnson fumble that was recovered by defensive tackle Brentson Buckner. The Bucs challenged, but the play was upheld.

"Both of those were big plays," Gruden said. "One of them was a 39-yard completion and the other was a fumble inside our own 10-yard line. So, I think if it is an impact play and there is reasonable belief to challenge it, I think it's very appropriate."

STECKER'S TOUCHES: Through seven games, running back Aaron Stecker had 18 touches (11 carries, seven catches). But in an effort to spark the offense, the Bucs promised to give the third-year backup a little more playing time Sunday, and did. Stecker had five rushes for 17 yards and four catches for 26 yards.

"I was in there a little bit more. It was a grind," Stecker said. "But it felt good getting out there and getting some touches and hopefully that can continue."

Stecker also played his full allotment of special-teams plays and cramped toward the end of the game. But his touch on special teams was his most important. Trailing 9-6 with three minutes left, the Bucs punted and Smith fumbled. Through a maze of flying bodies and limbs, Stecker came up with ball. Five plays later, the Bucs kicked a 53-yard field goal to tie with 1:55 left.

"I saw it roll down and knew it was a loose ball and saw a couple of bodies around it," Stecker said. "I was in the right place at the right time. It was total chaos, like those bloopers, but that's the way it is. ... It was an important touch."