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Bucs-Lions: Key Matchups

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2008

Bucs CB Ronde Barber vs. Lions WR Calvin Johnson

The days of the Lions running four- and five-receiver sets are gone. Detroit has gone to a more conventional offensive approach, and the Lions are likely to stick to that approach today because it offers them a distinct advantage. Though Barber has an experience edge on Johnson, Johnson has a physical edge that the Lions are sure to try to exploit. Barber will have to have one of his best games to keep Johnson from having a big day but even then he'll still need help from the Bucs pass rushers and his safeties.

Bucs TE Jerramy Stevens vs. Lions LB Alex Lewis

Stevens is fast becoming one of the prize pieces in the Bucs offense. He has very good speed and route-running skills and he's no longer struggling to hold onto the ball the way he did earlier in his career in Seattle. He'll be a go-to-guy in the attack again today, but only if he can find a way to shake Lewis. Lewis isn't special, but he does do a good job of tracking receivers in coverage. He has good speed himself and a knack for making plays against the pass. He won't do much against the run but he can force the Bucs to look elsewhere when a play is designed to go to Stevens down the seam.

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