US Sport story by Fred Smith, Tue, 13 Dec 2005 07:04:00 GMT


CHARLOTTE, NC.- Tampa Bay Buccaneers exacted sweet revenge over the Carolina Panthers 20-10 to tie with go level with Carolina in a NFC South Division game at Bank of America Stadium.

Carnell ''Cadillac'' Williams was the star for the Bucs with 112 yard runs scoring two touchdowns to ensure that his tem did not have to face the ignominy of a sixth straight loss to the Panthers. Tampa Bay (9-4) now has Atlanta and New Orleans to overcome before the winners are decided. Even the Panthers (9-4) have the same opponents to contend with and this scenario should make for interesting times in the remaining days.

On Sunday, Williams ran hard for Tampa Bay and registered runs of 14 yards during the first quarter period and then 10 yards during the fourth quarter. The Panther' lead man DeShaun Foster was contained to only 46 yards in 14 carries and it was this little play which ensured that Tampa Bay gained the points.

Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden was a relieved man after the game, "We lost five in a row -- but now they've got a one-game losing streak. Let me just say, we're very happy to have won. I'm proud of our team. We beat a great team today on the road." He heaped fulsome praise of Williams acknowledging that he was able to create space due to the absence of Mike Rucker, 'I know Mike Rucker didn't play; I know that hurts their front. But it's a credit to Cadillac Williams. He made some great cuts," Gruden said.

The Panthers were disappointed with the loss, ''We put ourselves in a situation where we've got to work for three more weeks. We've got to go out and take care of these next three weeks like it's the playoffs," commented Carolina safety Mike Minter said.

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