3 THINGS TO WATCH

RUN ESTABLISHED, Panthers VERSION: Since the Panthers were held to 40 yards on 20 attempts rushing in the teams' first meeting, Carolina has averaged 135.1 yards on the ground per game. Since then, DeAngelo Williams has established himself as one of the league's elite runners.

RUN ESTABLISHED, Buccaneers VERSION: It appeared Warrick Dunn didn't have an adequate partner after Earnest Graham injured his ankle in mid-November. Cadillac Williams is back from his own injury, though, taking pressure off Dunn and quarterback Jeff Garcia, who ran for 42 yards last week against New Orleans.

(VERY) HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE: Not only are the Panthers 6-0 at Bank of America Stadium, but they're not too different from their three rivals in the NFC South. Teams in the division are 20-2 at home this season.

KEY TO THE GAME

JULIUS PEPPERS

Panthers DE

Has reverted to old form (11.0 sacks prove it) that made him one of NFL's most feared defensive linemen. He's leading a defense that has 13 sacks in the past five games.

He'll need to stay disciplined with his rushing lanes because Garcia is one of the NFL's most mobile quarterbacks.

Jeff Garcia

Buccaneers QB

Took over the starting job earlier this season from Brian Griese and hasn't given it up. The Bucs are 6-1 with him as the starter.

Was sacked four times last week by New Orleans, but he's dangerous when he gets outside the pocket, running or throwing short passes.

Panthers INSIDER

The Panthers face their toughest stretch of the season over the final four games. And they all come in December, historically a month that they've played better in than any other.

Carolina's 13-year record of 30-24 in December is easily the best of the four months (they played one game in August in 1997) NFL teams play regular- season games.

Here's how the other three months stack up, this season included:

SEPTEMBER: 22-24

OCTOBER: 25-33

NOVEMBER: 27-30

Under coach John Fox, the Panthers are even better in December: 17-10 since 2002.

As the Panthers go after an NFC South title and playoff spot, they face four teams in December with a combined record of 33-15. That's a rugged stretch, but it comes at a time of year when the Panthers have typically played well.

KEY STATS

Panthers

1: Field goal missed by John Kasay (in 22 attempts).

2.0: Average rushing yards per carry in first game vs. Tampa Bay (40 yards on 20 carries).

4.4: Average rushing yards per carry for season.

5: Seasons since one team (St. Louis in 2003) had back-to-back defensive player-of-the-month honors (Panthers' Jon Beason in October, Julius Pepper in November).

13: Touchdowns by running back DeAngelo Williams (tied for most in NFL).

Buccaneers

3.4: Career rushing average per carry by Cadillac Williams against Panthers.

4: NFL rank in total defense (279.5 yards per game).

5: Straight victories over Panthers with Jeff Garcia at quarterback.

7: Times allowed 100-plus yards rushing.

33: Percent success of opponents on third downs (fourth in NFL).