Scouting report

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

The basics

There is one overriding goal for the Bucs going into today's regular-season finale: stay healthy. They have nothing to gain and nothing to prove against the Panthers, who have been besieged by injuries to key players, the latest being defensive end Julius Peppers (out with a knee injury).

So, why pay attention? For one, you likely will get a glimpse of the Bucs' future as many young backups are expected to play quite a bit. And you can expect the Panthers to put up a fight, as they have the past two weeks in defeating playoff-bound Seattle and losing a close one to NFC frontrunner Dallas.

How have the Panthers made things interesting in recent weeks? For one, they've gotten solid and largely mistake-free play from quarterback Matt Moore, a rookie from Oregon State and the Panthers' fourth starting quarterback this season.

He wasn't exactly the most likely candidate to help inspire the Panthers in this disappointing season, but he certainly hasn't hurt them.

"I don't think anyone else in the league is starting an undrafted rookie quarterback," Panthers coach John Fox said.

He's probably right. There aren't many teams that have started four quarterbacks, drafted or not. In the past two games, Moore has gone 34-of-55 (62 percent) for 390 yards with one touchdown and one interception (including pass plays of 54 and 57 yards). Against a Bucs defense that might play key starters briefly, Moore could put up numbers.

But the Panthers' 16th-ranked defense has been more impressive than its 29th-ranked offense.

The aggressive Panthers defense still has a bevy of respected players, from linemen Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker to cornerback and former first-round pick Chris Gamble. Linebacker Jon Beasonleads the team with 130 tackles.

But the key for the Panthers is stopping the run, something they have done a better job of since allowing a season-high 189 yards to the Bucs in Week 4. Two weeks ago, the Panthers limited the Seahawks to 44 rushing yards.

Injury report

Bucs: WR Joey Galloway (team decision) is out. FB B.J. Askew (ankle), DE Patrick Chukwurah (hamstring), RB Earnest Graham (ankle), WR Ike Hilliard (knee), CB Brian Kelly (knee), LB Ryan Nece (groin), RB Michael Pittman (ankle) and DE Greg White (quad) are questionable.

Panthers: S Chris Harris (neck) is doubtful, and T Jordan Gross (ankle) and QB Vinny Testaverde (Achilles' tendon) are probable.

Keep in mind

Today's game could be the last for Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker, a nemesis of the Bucs who is considering retirement. Rucker, in his ninth season, hasn't made up his mind, but he has vowed to give a good showing in case this is his farewell game.

"I'm just going to weigh all the options," he said. "I've been going back and forth and taking every game like it's my last. I approached it that way last week, and I will this week, too. I need time to decompress and make a clear decision."

All Rucker wants is to help the Panthers stimulate their dormant pass rush today. Carolina is last in the NFL in sacks with 19.

Key matchup

Bucs LG Arron Sears vs. Panthers RDT Kris Jenkins

Sears didn't have his best outing last week at San Francisco. He needs to rebound this week after being pummeled by the 49ers, but that won't be easy against Jenkins, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has intimidating size at 6-4 and 335 pounds. Then again, that's sort of typical for the Panthers, at least on defense.

"They're the biggest team in our conference, and, as I said, it's going to be a real physical battle for us," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said.

Jenkins takes up considerable space with his size, something that will work against the Bucs' efforts to run the ball. But Jenkins is capable of rushing the passer, too, even if he has only 2.5 sacks this season.

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 18:09:25]