Did you know?
After leading the NFL in rushing defense last season, the Bucs rank No. 9 against the run in 2013. And once again, Tampa Bay is among the league leaders in negative-yardage runs by opponents.
Team Negative runs Yards
Lions 48 minus-116
Rams 48 minus-93
Bucs 47 minus-97
Bears 46 minus-111
Vikings 45 minus-112
By the numbers
46.9
Carolina’s third-down conversion percentage, second in the NFL to Denver (48.3)
12
Takeaways by Tampa Bay’s defense in the past month
1
Giveaways by Tampa Bay’s offense in the past month.
Quote of the Day
“When his number got called, he stepped up to the plate and didn’t have any fear in his eyes. He was ready for the challenge.’’
Bucs LB Lavonte David, on rookie CB Johnthan Banks covering Detroit WR Calvin Johnson in place of injured CB Darrelle Revis in the second half of Sunday’s victory against the Lions
Injury Report
For the Bucs, Revis (groin), G Carl Nicks (foot) and LB Adam Hayward (foot) did not practice Wednesday and G Davin Joseph was given the day off. LB Mason Foster returned after missing Sunday’s game at Detroit with a concussion.
Carolina’s top three running backs — DeAngelo Williams (quad), Mike Tolbert (knee) and Jonathan Stewart (ankle) — sat out Wednesday’s practice. DE Charles Johnson (knee), who leads the Panthers with 8 1-2 sacks, also did not participate.
