In that game, Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme threw three interceptions, and Carolina's ground game wasn't much of a factor. All of that has changed for the Panthers. Delhomme is protecting the ball better, and Carolina getting huge games from DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart.

"We have to take a good look at them," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "Jonathan Stewart was in his second game, I think playing, or third game. They have the Wildcat formations; we are going to have to prepare for those. Jake Delhomme is hot again; he has thrown for a lot of yards the last couple of weeks. We are going to have to stop Carolina somehow, some way. Their run game is very, very good, creative. Two-back sets, one-back sets, they run it on third and eight, third and nine, for big plays. They are one of the few teams in the league that dials up a lot of runs on third down and medium, and long. They do a heck of a job, they do a heck of a job running the football."

--Rookie Aqib Talib is turning some heads this season and doing a great job as the Bucs' nickel cornerback, freeing Ronde Barber to play in the slot on passing downs.

"He is a great player, he is a great talent, he is really something," Gruden said of Talib. "If we just keep him on schedule and stay demanding of him, which I know we will, and if he stays after it the way he is, he will be just fine. He has a chance to really be a tremendous corner in the league."

--Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin appears headed to the University of Tennessee to join his son, new Vols head coach Lane Kiffin. But Kiffin will finish this season with the Bucs.

No announcement has been made regarding Monte Kiffin's possible position at Tennessee.

"A lot of our coaches are sought-after every year and Monte's sought-after every year," Gruden said. "He should be. But I'm not worried about any distractions. We've got a great opportunity ahead of us, and we want to take advantage of it."

BY THE NUMBERS: 3 - The number of times the Bucs intercepted Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme in their earlier meeting this season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Well they need to keep doing what they're doing. Keep preparing the way they are preparing. Practicing the way they're practicing." -- Bucs coach Jon Gruden on playing a Monday night game.