So, we know there is a big need at running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

LeGarrette Blount has shown flashes, but he doesn't seem to have what it takes to be an every-down back in this league.

So, in which direction will TB go? Many experts expect the team to take a corner in the first round, with Trent Richardson possibly going fourth to Cleveland. If that happens, Tampa won't reach for a RB at the fifth spot. So, then, what are the options?

Former Virginia Tech star David Wilson is the option. A star who started one season but ran for over 1,700 yards, setting the school's record, he can do it all. He is dangerous as a returner, pass-catcher and a runner, though sometimes he tries to do too much. He will certainly be available early in the second round and is worth a look. Considering Blount is a power back, Wilson can do it all and would make a nice combination. 

What do you think? Does that sound like a decent pick for the Bucs in the second round? If not, who would you aim for?

Former Houston Texans and first round pick Amobi Okoye, who played last season with the Chicago Bears, has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

A versatile player, the DT could be a huge signing for the Bucs if he can earn some time. 

The general manager of Chicago, Phil Emery, said during a conference call that he expected the former Louisville star to sign with another team. 

"I think Amobi is trying to decide which direction he's going," Emery said. "We've had conversations with him. So far we haven't been able to work out a deal. I really believe that Amobi is probably going in a different direction."

He was right, as the played struck a nice deal with the team. 

The 24-year-old had four sacks last season as a backup. He came into the league in 2007 and drew interest from several teams in free agency. 

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the deal is worth $2 Million and will serve as a backup behind Gerald McCoy and Brian Prince. 

Okoye, who started 59 games in five seasons, is from Nigeria and is quick off the line. 

Remember, Bucs coach Greg Schiano knows plenty about the player, having battled against him in the Big East. 

Good morning all. Let's take a look around the conference with the major news story for each on this lovely Saturday.

Buccaneers

Tampa Bay and new head coach Greg Schiano found themselves a defensive coordinator, finally.

Bill Sheridan, a Super Bowl winner on the New York Giants staff, joins the team as DC.

Here is the official release fom the Bucs' official website.

Falcons

Things are a bit slow around Atlanta, not too much going on, but the general manager Thomas Dimitroff has a bit of a new role.

Here is the official release from the Bucs' official website.

Panthers

Everyone knows the type of rookie season that Cam Newton had. As a result, the awards keep coming in. The talented former Auburn quarterback already won the Pepsi Rookie of the Year award, but there is more. 

Here is the official release from the Panthers' official website.

Saints

Sean Payton and company recently made some BIG hires on the staff, including bringing in an elite defensive coordinator with the hope of taking home another Super Bowl title, with a guy who has experience doing so.

Here is the official release from the Panthers' official website.

The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by the score of 38 to 19.  Thanks for checking out my review of the Panthers at the Buc’s game. Shortly before the game we found out that Tampa Quarterback Josh Freeman was out with a shoulder injury.

I am not sure Josh Freeman would have made a difference in the Bucs versus Panthers game.Carolina came out hot and played hard even when the game was already decided. The Panthers didn’t let up and allow the Buc’s to get back in the game.

Tampa backup quarterback Josh Johnson looked a little shaky at first but played hard and got better as the game progressed. I had feared the Tampa running game but the Panthers quick lead negated that and forced Johnson to pass often.

Cam Newton had a great game against Tampa Bay. Cam Newton tied then broke the single season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. In a class move Cam Newton gave that record setting ball to a young lady wearing a shirt with Newton’s name on it, in the stands.

Cam Newton completed 12 of 21 passes for 204 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers against Tampa Bay.Newton also rushed for 54 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns and even caught a 27 yard pass from Legedu Naanee.

Brandon LaFell had a nice game with three catches for 64 yards in his new starting role. Legedu Naanee caught two including a very nice touchdown pass and Steve Smith caught two for 32 yards.

Jonathan Stewart had a great game and ran with abandon against Tampa Bay. Stewart rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries and added two receptions for 19 yards. DeAngelo Williams ran for 29 yards on 11 carries.

The Carolina Panthers defense had a nice game against Josh Johnson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson was Tampa’s leading rusher with 45 yards and he was held to 229 yards, one score and one INT is the passing game.

However the fact that your three leading tacklers were defensive backs is not a good sign for the Carolina Panthers defense. Godfrey had seven tackles and two assists while Gamble added five tackles and one assist. Greg Hardy and Charles “Big Money” Johnson had three tackles each and Johnson added a sack.

I felt the Panthers had a good game against the Buccaneers and showed some team maturity. In the past Carolina had a tendency to play down to the level of their opponents. I had feared the Panthers would let down when they knew Freeman was out. Next up for the Carolina Panthers is the Atlanta Falcons.

Josh Freeman is out as quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the game against the Carolina Panthers. Josh Freeman is out with a shoulder injury and will be replaced by Josh Johnson as the Buc’s quarterback against the Panthers.

This could be good news for the Carolina Panthers or it could be bad news. Josh Johnson is a decent quarterback who is probably even more athletic than Josh Freeman. I liked Johnson when he came out of college and thought he would be the Buc’s starting quarterback.

For Josh Johnson this is an audition for employment on a future team. If Josh Johnson lights up the Carolina Panthers then he becomes attractive to other teams as a free agent or even in a trade.

As I pointed out here in my preview of the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, the Buc’s are not having a good year. It could be the shoulder injury by Freeman has contributed to that. The team may just get fired up with a very athletic and healthy Josh Johnson at the helm.

But on the plus side for the Carolina Panthers, Johnson is the backup and probably hasn’t had a lot of practice reps this season. Getting an early lead is very important for the Panthers now. Josh Johnson is not a great passer and making him throw often can cause some turnovers and win the game for the Panthers.

Thanks for checking out my preview of the Carolina Panthers at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Sunday December 4^th 2011. This preview of the Panthers at the Buc's will have a Carolina slant since I blog about them.

Josh Freeman has been playing hurt this year and has little help thus isn’t having the best of seasons for the Bucs. Still the Tampa offense is better than their dreadful defense which struggles against the run AND the pass.

The Panthers and Bucs are division rivals and in the NFC South home teams tend to win division games. But I feel that the struggling Bucs are ripe for the picking by Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

If Cam Newton and the Panthers offense can jump off to a quick lead, the running game can keep Freeman off the field. I think if the Panthers can get that quick lead they may break the will of the Bucs and end the game in a route of their division foe.

I hope Carolina does give the Bucs defense a healthy dose of “Double Trouble” AKA DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. This will keep the Buc’s own running backs on the bench and as we know run defense is the bane of the Carolina Panthers in 2011.

 LeGarrette Blount and Ernest Graham are both having a good season when healthy and I don’t want the Bucs grinding the ball out with them. Freeman when hot is a beast but I would rather the Panthers make him pass than see that Tampa run offense getting first down after first down. My biggest fear in the passing game for the Bucs is Kellen Winslow the tight end who is having a solid season.

The problem the Panthers defense is that almost all the linebackers are injured in some fashion. For the last two seasons it’s like a jinx against any linebackers playing for the Panthers.

I do like the Carolina Panthers chances against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Putting away a bad Colts team has shown the Panthers that they can win a game and that confidence boost is much needed. I am also impressed with the improved special teams play from the last couple of games for the Carolina Panthers.

My prediction for the Carolina Panthers at the Tampa Bay Bucs is a 28 to 23 win by the Panthers. Please leave a comment and tell me if you agree with my assessment of the game. Also you can check me out on Twitter here.