Ex-Tiger Adams learning on the job

Panthers Notes

CHARLOTTE — Tampa Bay rookie defensive end Gaines Adams always thought he had a pretty good first move off the line of scrimmage.

But as the former Clemson star is finding out, a good first move in college doesn't always mean it's going to be a good first move in the NFL.

"I'm learning something new every game," said Adams, who recorded one tackle and two quarterback hurries Sunday against the Panthers. "The offensive linemen in the NFL are so much smarter than they are in college. They've seen every move in the book. Usually that first move isn't going to work against them.

"In college I was so used to that first move working, so it's tough that mine isn't working right now. Sometimes your second move won't work either, so you've got to go to your third move."

So, how many moves does Adams have right now in his young NFL career?

"Obviously, I don't have one because none of them have worked for me yet," Adams said. "But I'm not going to get discouraged. I'm just going to continue to work hard and good things will start happening for me."

Adams, who had 22 sacks over his final two seasons at Clemson, got close a couple of times in the second half to recording his first NFL sack, but came up just short.

"I did some good things today, but it all boils down to sacks," Adams said. "I feel like I'm getting better, but the sacks have not come yet. I'm not giving up."

Gaines, who signed a six-year $46 million contract in July, said the fans' expectations of him this season are no bigger than his own.

"I don't listen to (the criticism)," Adams said. "I have high expectations for myself. All the outside things really don't mean much to me. I put enough pressure on myself. That is what motivates me to play hard, not the fans or the media."

In four games this season, Adams has four tackles.

"We did some good things today," Adams said."

Bennett, Sims out

Tampa Bay defensive tackle Ryan Sims, a former Dorman High School star, was inactive.

Sims, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Kansas City, has not played in a game this season for the Bucs.

Sims, a first-round pick in 2002 by Kansas City, had his best season in 2003 when he recorded 83 tackles, including three sacks and an interception with the Chiefs.

Former South Carolina defensive end Charles Bennett was placed on injured reserve in July after injuring his knee.

Bennett, a seventh-round draft pick in 2006, played in three games last season, recording two tackles.

Jarrett makes debut

Carolina wide receveiver Dwayne Jarrett, the Panthers' second-round pick this past April, made his NFL debut Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Jarrett, who was inactive for the Panthers first three games of the season, caught one pass for 6 yards.

"We had some injuries, so we were able to get him out there," said Panthers coach John Fox. "He still has a lot to learn, but I think he's got a bright future."

Jarrett's status for next week's game with New Orleans is uncertain.

"Dwayne came in and did what he had to do," said Carolina quarterback David Carr. "They had a pretty small package for him. You don't want to give him the world and expect him to execute. He did a good job. I'd like to see more of him and I think everyone else would to.

Williams, Pettigout out

Late in the first quarter, Tampa Bay running back Carnell Williams suffered what appeared to be a torn ACL and could possibly miss the rest of the season. As Williams was being carted off the field, the entire Tampa Bay team walked over to the former Auburn star and gave him an ovation.

Williams was off to a fast start against the Panthers, having gained 41 yards on six attempts.

The Buccaneers also lost offensive tackle Luke Pettigout, who appeared to suffer a torn ACL later in the half and didn't return to the game.

"We had a couple of key injuries today," said Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden. "It's hard to swallow right now. I'm not sure of the extent of the injuries. I'm really concerned."

Reach Andrew Miller at apmiller@postandcourier.com or 937-5599.