Sun Oct 12 16:19:27 2008

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Garcia returns to lead Bucs to win over Panthers

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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Warrick Dunn rushed for 115 yards on 22 carries as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pounded the Carolina Panthers, 27-3, to win a key NFC South matchup while exorcising some demons in the process.

Carolina had won five straight over the Buccaneers in Tampa stretching back to 2002, and had won eight of 10 overall in the series before Sunday's loss.

Jeff Garcia, starting in place of the injured Brian Griese, completed 15-of-20 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown for the Buccaneers (4-2), who rebounded from a three-point loss in Denver last week to pull into a three-way tie with Carolina and the Atlanta Falcons for first place in the crowded NFC South.

Earnest Graham gained 47 yards on two catches and added a rushing score for the Bucs, who scored early when Geno Hayes blocked a punt and ran it in for a touchdown.

Jake Delhomme was picked off three times on 20-of-39 passing for 242 yards for the Panthers (4-2). Steve Smith had six catches for 112 yards, but the Carolina rushing attack was stymied, as DeAngelo Williams gained only 27 yards on 11 carries.

Garcia lost his job to Griese after playing poorly in Tampa Bay's season- opening loss to the New Orleans Saints, despite leading the surprising Bucs to the playoffs in 2007. Given another opportunity on Sunday thanks to a right elbow injury Griese suffered in Denver, Garcia again led the Bucs to victory.