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KEY MATCHUPS

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 9, 2007

Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander

vs. Bucs MLB Barrett Ruud

Ruud is not a physically dominating player, but he's very good against the run. He does a good job of anchoring himself, getting low and holding a runner up. He doesn't change directions real well, so he's vulnerable to cutbacks. That's an area Alexander excels in, so this figures to be a pretty good matchup. If the Bucs can eliminate the cutback lanes and force Alexander to run straight ahead, Ruud should be able to hold him in check. The problems will arise when and if Alexander finds a hole. He has the vision and burst necessary to find and get through those little seams and he'll take advantage of Ruud's limited athleticism if he finds them.

ADVANTAGE: Alexander

Bucs LT Luke Petitgout

vs. Seahawks WLB Julian Peterson

Petitgout figures to have his hands full in this one, because it's not just Peterson he has to worry about. He also has to worry about RDE Bryce Fisher. But Peterson is by far the bigger concern. The Seahawks like to line Peterson up on the line and have him shoot an open gap, so it will be up to Petitgout to close that gap. He'll get some help from chip blockers, but it's mostly going to fall to Petitgout, the Bucs' best pass protector, to keep Peterson from charging into their backfield. The key for Petitgout is to stay low and to make good use of his veteran smarts and quickness. He also can make the job easier by beating Peterson up in the running game. Peterson has a tendency to disappear when teams run at him early.

ADVANTAGE: Petitgout

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