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Bucs-Panthers: Key Matchups

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2008

Bucs CB Ronde Barber vs. Panthers WR Steve Smith

The Bucs have to like this matchup. Barber has had a rather difficult season but he's coming off two very good games and seems to be stepping up his play at just the right time. Smith is a speedy wideout who can beat press coverages and fly past defenders even out of his breaks, but Barber will look to keep Smith in front of him and make his play on the ball in the air. With help over the top from his safeties and underneath from the linebackers, Barber will have a chance to make some plays against Smith that could turn the game in the Bucs' favor.

Bucs RB Warrick Dunn vs. Panthers MLB Jon Beason

Beason is a very athletic linebacker, but he doesn't do a good job of reading the quarterback or recognizing passing routes. He reacts well but if the Bucs attack him by throwing to Dunn off a play-action fake he can be victimized. Dunn will see a lot of Beason in the run game, too, and that's an interesting matchup. Neither player is real big. Both are very quick and agile, but Dunn's ability to make himself small as he cuts through the line and elude tacklers should give him an edge.

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