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Bucs-Dolphins key matchups

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 15, 2009

Dolphins QB Chad Henne vs. Bucs secondary

Henne is built a lot like Bucs QB Josh Freeman, but doesn't have anywhere near the same makeup. Though both have strong arms, Henne really struggles to connect on his throws when he's got pressure in his face or the pocket is collapsing around him. With a strong rush, the Bucs can force Henne into making throws he doesn't want to make.

That's a situation in which CB Aqib Talib and FS Tanard Jackson could excel. Talib and Jackson have combined for eight interceptions this season. Talib usually covers the opponent's most dangerous wideout, but because the Dolphins don't have a true No. 1 receiver, the Bucs have the option of moving Talib around. That could result in more balls being thrown his way and, therefore, more interceptions.

Bucs QB Josh Freeman vs. Dolphins blitz

Freeman faced some pressure in his starting debut last week against the Packers, but didn't face anywhere near as much as he expected. That figures to change dramatically today.

The Dolphins likely will dial up some unique blitzes for Freeman, and how he handles them will go a long way toward deciding the winner of this game. The good news for Freeman, of course, is he's not alone in this endeavor. Protection calls will be largely the responsibility of veteran center Jeff Faine.

That will help Freeman get out of plays that could be disastrous, but his ability to stand up to pressure and deliver the ball will decide the outcome of this matchup, and maybe the game.

Bucs kickoff team vs. Dolphins KR Ted Ginn Jr.

This is a classic matchup of strengths. Ginn is among the most electrifying return men to come along in a while, and the Bucs rank first in the league in kick coverage at 19 yards per return.

Earlier this week, Tampa Bay lost special teams captain Will Allen for the season with a broken thumb. Allen, however, wasn't necessarily the Bucs' top special teams performer. Torrie Cox and Niko Koutouvides have led the way and will need to be on their game against Ginn.

Ginn is the only player in history to have a 100- and 101-yard kick return for a touchdown in one game. Deep kicks by Connor Barth will help, but the key to stopping Ginn is to get a hat on a hat, plug the holes and tackle well.

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