3 THINGS TO WATCH

OFFENSIVE LINE'S DEPTH: Tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah could return from injury today (although center Ryan Kalil might not play because of an ankle injury). The offensive line held up nicely in Gross and Otah's absence, which lasted for much of the past two games. Looks like depth won't be a concern as the season goes along.

DEFENSIVE BACKS' HANDS: The Panthers have three interceptions this season, although it seems like at least that many potential interceptions are dropped each game. If those defensive backs can hang on to the ball more often (Chris Gamble, are you listening?), an already impressive defense could go to another level.

LLOYD'S KICKOFFS: After consistently kicking the ball into the end zone through four games, kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd forced just two touchbacks in seven tries last week against Kansas City. One-game slump or a trend?

KEY TO THE GAME

DeANGELO WILLIAMS

PANTHERS RB

Williams ran for 123 yards last week against Kansas City and scored two touchdowns. He had another career-day last season against Tampa Bay, when he gained 121 yards and scored twice.

He's at his best when he's in the open field, which is where he'll find Brooks waiting for him. The Panthers hope Williams' elusiveness will provide a nice complement to Jonathan Stewart, who is a more physical back.

DERRICK BROOKS

BUCCANEERS LB

He's been around. A 14-year veteran out of Florida State, Brooks has started 197 straight games. That's most among all active defensive players in the NFL.

Brooks is a mobile, physical player who has enough speed to track down running backs such as Williams. But Brooks also has 25 career interceptions, including one this season against Green Bay.

PANTHERS INSIDER

There'll be another kind of rivalry today between the Panthers and Buccaneers: a sibling rivalry.

Although it's unlikely backup quarterbacks Josh McCown (Panthers) and younger brother Luke (Bucs) will play -- barring injury to the starters or unless it's a complete blowout -- their presence on the sidelines will at least provide a thrill for their family. Josh said their parents and grandparents were planning on traveling from their home in Jacksonville, Texas, to watch.

Josh wasn't above a little brotherly trash talk about the subject this week.

"I'd like to think that most of [the family] are on my side," he said. "Why? Because I'm the one telling you. And I'm a lot more cool than my younger brother."

This is actually the second time in 2008 the McCown brothers have opposed each other. Before being traded to the Panthers, Josh was with Miami in the preseason when they played the Buccaneers in an exhibition.

Josh warned against overhyping a potential McCown vs. McCown showdown today. There's no comparison, he said, with a matchup between the Mannings when the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants play.

"Luke and I are sitting there, asking 'What have they done?' Not everybody can be Super Bowl MVPs in back-to-back years.

"It's not exactly [Peyton] Manning vs. [Eli] Manning. But to our mom it is, for sure."

KEY STATS

CAROLINA

1: Rushing touchdown allowed this season.

4: Ranking in total defense (254.4 yards per game)

14.0: Points allowed per game (tied for third in the NFL)

15: Straight field goals made over two seasons by John Kasay.

431: Take-aways since 1995 (242 interceptions, 189 fumbles), most in NFL.

TAMPA BAY

5: Division titles for coach Jon Gruden since 2000 (two Oakland, three Tampa Bay), second most in NFL.

7: Playoff appearances since 1997 for Bucs, tied for second-most in league.

9: Players with Pro Bowl experience (linebacker Derrick Brooks has 10 appearances)

67: Pass attempts by Brian Griese against Chicago this season, a franchise record.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.