I put up a poll back before the Falcons to gauge everyone's opinion as to who is the Panthers biggest rivalry and not to my surprise the results, at first, showed the Falcons as the Panthers top rival by a 2-1 margin. Yet as we get closer to the upcoming game with the Bucs the poll is starting to shift. The Falcons may be the Panthers oldest rivalry but I have to admit the Bucs have provided some of the fiercest games in Panthers history.

Who can forget the game in 2003 where Kris Jenkins blocked that extra point to put the game into OT, which the Panthers won on a John Kasay FG?

The Panthers have pretty much owned the Bucs since the 2003 season, going 8-2 against them. The Panthers lead the all-time series 9-6 and as widely reported have beat them 5 straight in Tampa.

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This one was easy to grade so we'll get right to it.

Rushing Offense:           Grade   A-

DeAngelo Williams had a career day with 123 yards and two scores (a third was via a reception). Add in Jonathan Stewarts 72 yards and almost 40 minutes of possession time and it spells a dominate rushing performance against the Chiefs. The minus is for the red zone fumble by J-Stew but in the end it only delayed the route by a few minutes.

Passing Offense:           Grade A-

QB Jake Delhomme completed 20 of 29 passes for 236 yards, 2 TD's and a 111 rating. Moose had a 47 yard TD and Smitty chipped in 96 yards. The Panthers also finally got a RB involved in the passing game and the result was a 25 yard TD to D-Will. The minus is again for a red zone turnover, an interception in the end zone that wasn't even close to a Panther. Regardless, the passing clicked at the right times and help keep the Chiefs back-peddling all day.

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The successful Panther teams of 2003 to 2005 were led on defense by a formidable front four led by DT Kris Jenkins and DE's Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers. These guys became the face of a defense that harassed opposing quarterbacks and shut down running games. The 2008 defense may not have the signature pass rush of those teams but they are getting similar results:

Before Monday night's Minnesota-New Orleans game, the Panthers ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense, fifth in pass defense, tied for third in fewest points allowed, fourth in third down efficiency, and second in fewest first downs allowed per game.

Instead of a formidable front four, this defense is led by its Back Seven. The Panthers have cobbled together arguably one of the deepest and most talented LB's corps and secondarys in the league. Starting with the LB's the Panthers have a nice mix of youth, speed and experience that runs five players deep (6 before Dan Conner went on IR).

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Jaxon here with Cat Scratch Reader to answer any questions you might have about the Panthers leading up to our show down this Sunday in Tampa.

The Panthers will be coming to town riding a wave of confidence from their 4-1 start thanks in large part to a rehabbed Jake Delhomme, a stingy defense and a much improved running game. The Panthers will view this game as the first opportunity to stake their claim as the front runner for the division championship.

Be sure to check out JScott's answers to our questions here as well. Let er rip!

This one was over early as the Panthers (4-1) beat the Chiefs (1-4) in about every phase of the game. On offense they ran for 205 yards, passed for 2 TD's and controlled the ball for almost 40 minutes.

The defense was even more impressive as they held Chiefs running back Larry Johnson to two yards rushing, yes, two yards and the Chiefs to 36 yards total. They harassed QB Damon Huard and his WR's, stuffed the running game at every turn and hauled in two interceptions. I was worried about the Panthers having a let down but instead they took care of business, putting away the hapless Chiefs with a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defense. Here's what else we learned from this game:

• Those calling for Jonathan Stewart to start over DeAngelo Williams will have to remain quiet for another week, Williams was clearly this best running back on this day. He was quick to the hole and read his blocks well. Williams ripped the Chiefs for 123 yards on 20 carries and a TD and added another on a 25 yard reception.
• The 35 yr old WR Musin Muhammad proves yet again he is still a young buck on the field as he outruns the Chiefs secondary for a score.
• The Panther run defense proves again it is one of the elite run defenses in the league as it not only shut down another elite RB in Larry Johnson it held the Chiefs to 36 yards total.
• DE Charles Johnson showed he is now ready for the prime time. He posted 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss, one hurry and a pass defensed. One hellava game for the 2nd year guy. 
• Back-up LT Frank Omiyale performed well in the stead of the injured Jordan Gross. The Panthers may have something here.

• The Panthers finally had a good day on 3^rd down, completing 10 of 18 opportunities for 55%. This performance will hopefully boost an offenses confidence prior to the big show down in Tampa next Sunday.
• It looks like the Panthers are going to battle penalties all season as they added another 8 to their league leading total. Fortunately they have been able to overcome this plague so far.

Great weekend for me as both my teams hung the o-fer collar on their opponent (GT beat Duke 27-0). We'll gloat on this one for a day or two but then its time to focus on Tampa. The Panthers will be riding into town with a lot of confidence.

Chiefs QB Damon Huard was running from Panther defenders all day

It's game day Panther fans and today we have the 1-3 Kansas City Chiefs coming to town for a 1pm throw down. The Chiefs are coming off a big upset of the Denver Broncos to gain their first win of the season. The Panthers just feasted on some fried Falcon for their third win of the season.

Here's some of my predictions:

• The Panthers are going to run the crap out of the ball. Either one or both of the Panthers RB's will crack 100 yards for the first time this season.
  
• As the Panthers repeatedly gash the Chiefs defense on the ground it will open up the big play for Smitty who will score another long TD at some point
  
• DE Julius Peppers will show back-up T HERB Taylor who the master spice is (pun intended). Pep will add to his sack total.
• Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will have some success early but will wear down over the course of the game. I'm predicting around 80 yards and maybe one TD at the most.
  

So let's hear from you Panther fans. If you're out there lurching let's have a roll call. Predictions?

If you are unable to view the game (MrEd?) and want those who are to keep you updated (Little King) please just say so. I may not be able to tend this thread myself but others will be glad to help out.

Go Panthers!