Buccaneers...27 Panthers...3

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jeff Garcia longed for another chance to show he’s the right quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection delivered exactly what the Buccaneers were looking for in a 27-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

He completed a high percentage of passes, managed the offense and -- most of all -- protected the football.

Garcia, starting for the first time since the season opener because Brian Griese is injured, threw for 173 yards and a touchdown. With 115 yards in 22 carries, Warrick Dunn had his most productive day running the ball since rejoining the Buccaneers.

The victory, Tampa Bay’s first at home against the Panthers since 2002, put the Buccaneers (4-2) in a three-way tie for first in the NFC South with Carolina -- which sputtered a week after a 34-0 win over Kansas City -- and Atlanta.

Quoteworthy: “I don’t know if it’s a wake-up call. We got beat.” -- Jake Delhomme, Panthers quarterback