Quarterbacks: Chris Simms has seldom been sharper. Combine his accuracy with what is fast becoming a customary sense of poise and the fact he didn't turn the ball over and you've got a performance worthy of praise. Simms got a lot of help from his offensive line and play-calling, but he again did a splendid job of managing the offense and making sound decisions under pressure.

Running backs: Cadillac Williams churned out 112 yards, making most of those after taking the initial hit. The two-touchdown game was his first, and he also produced a couple important receptions. Mike Alstott's output wasn't up to the usual standards. He gained just 2 yards on four carries and dropped a pass. Michael Pittman did all of his damage in the passing game.

Receivers: Ike Hilliard came up big in the clutch. Of his team-leading five catches, four came on third down and three of those resulted in the Bucs gaining a first down. Michael Clayton continues to struggle. He made a big third-down catch, but also had a drop. Joey Galloway had a drop as well, but caught four passes and made good yardage after the catch. TE Alex Smith caught three balls.

Offensive line: Overall, this may have been the line's best game. It paved the way for a 100-plus-yard rushing day and never let the Panthers gain an edge with their pass rush. The unit also kept penalties to a minimum. It must be said Carolina played this one without Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins, two of its best defensive lineman. Still, on a day in which the Bucs required a big effort from their offensive front, they got it.

Defensive line: These guys got off to a slow start and took a few penalties early on. They adjusted well, and got a big effort from reserves Ellis Wyms and Dewayne White after losing DT Anthony McFarland to a hamstring strain. Chris Hovan was a difference-maker on a day when the pass rush wasn't top shelf but was still good enough.

Linebackers: Once they got past that opening series, these guys settled down and did an excellent job filling gaps against the run. The group's effort in pass coverage was good for the most part. The tackling improved as the game went on. Shelton Quarles finished up with a team-leading nine tackles and Derrick Brooks chipped in seven.

Secondary: There were some missed tackles early on but this group stiffened as the game progressed and wound up turning in a strong effort. Brian Kelly had seven tackles and a pass breakup while Ronde Barber had six tackles, a sack, a pass defense and an interception. Will Allen delivered the hit of the game, temporarily knocking Steve Smith out of it. Dexter Jackson's coverage was sound.

Special teams: Matt Bryant had an incident-free day, making good on two field goal tries and two PATs. He was also solid on kickoffs. The play of the coverage units, which surrendered a 44-yard punt return, was only adequate. Mark Jones had a 31-yard punt return, but the kick return game was nothing special. P Josh Bidwell dropped two of his six punts inside the 20.

Coaching: The offensive play calling got a little conservative near the end of the half but on the road and with a young quarterback, it was probably the best approach. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin did a good job of settling his players down after a difficult first series, and as usual he did a good job timing his blitzes and changing up his schemes.