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 got it Sunday and delivered exactly what the Bucs 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. Warrick Dunn had his most productive day running the ball since rejoining the Bucs with 115 yards on 22 carries.

The victory gave the Bucs (4-2) a share of first place in the NFC South with Carolina (4-2), which sputtered a week after routing Kansas City 34-0.