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Bucs-Packers key matchups

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2009

Bucs QB Josh Freeman vs. Packers CB Charles Woodson

There is a lot about the Packers' confounding 3-4 defensive scheme that the Bucs rookie starter should be concerned with. Nothing should concern him more, though, than the presence of the seemingly ageless Woodson.

Now in his 12th season, the crafty Woodson has lost a little bit of his speed, but he makes up for that with an exceptional ability to anticipate a quarterback's movements and read plays.

Woodson has always had a better-than-ideal blend of size, strength and athleticism, and his four interceptions this year is all anyone needs to prove he hasn't lost any of that.

Woodson can still jam and reroute a receiver off the line in man coverage or hang back in a zone and wait for his opponent to make a mistake that he can pounce on.

Woodson can also hurt you with a blitz, but it's his play in the secondary that Freeman has to worry about. His agility, quickness and anticipation allow him to make plays others can't, so Freeman has to be careful when throwing his way.

Bucs DTs Ryan Sims and Roy Miller vs. Packers RB Ryan Grant

Grant is tied for ninth in the league in rushing with 525 yards on 128 carries, but there's really nothing all that special about him. He's got a good combination of size, strength and athletic ability, but he's not the kind of back who's going to burn you for big plays.

He's at his best running between the tackles because he has the power to push the pile and gain an extra yard by falling forward. That's where Sims and Miller have to be on their game.

Sims will start today, but he and Miller are all but sharing snaps at the one defensive tackle spot, so both should be fresh enough to keep Grant from pushing for those extra yards with his legs.

Sims and Miller have to attack with good pad level and get leverage against Grant. He's a nimble runner who's quick to get to the hole, and he has excellent field vision so they have to use their athleticism, too. If Sims and Miller can stay on their feet and hold their ground they can slow Grant and force the Packers into a one-dimensional passing game.

Bucs RDE Stylez G. White vs. Packers LT Chad Clifton

No one in Green Bay was surprised to learn that QB Aaron Rodgers was seen limping around the Packers locker room following their loss to the Vikings last week.

As he has all season, Rodgers took a beating in that game. He was sacked six times, bringing to 31 the number of times opponents have broken through the Packers line and sacked their top quarterback.

The situation at left tackle is a big reason for that. Whether it has been the 33-year-old Clifton or rookie T.J. Lang, both of the Packers left tackles have shown their age this year.

That's good news for White. Though he isn't a player who will dazzle you with impressive athleticism, White can beat a tackle with his quickness and determination.

White has been playing enough since the departure of Gaines Adams to get into a rhythm, and whether it's Clifton or Lang that he faces today, he has a chance to have a breakout type of game.

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