Whether it's Johnthan Banks on Randall Cobb, Alterraun Verner on Jordy Nelson or any combination thereof, the battle to control the stadium's airspace will be critical Sunday.
CBs Johnthan Banks & Alterraun Verner vs. WRs Randall Cobb & Jordy NelsonThe Bucs secondary has faced a string of impressive WR tandems (Jones & White, Jeffery & Marshall, Tate & Johnson) and has held opposing offenses to just 205 passing yards per game (ypg) over the last six weeks. They will face perhaps their toughest task today. Cobb and Nelson account for more than 64% of the Packers' receiving yards this season and 22 of the teams' 35 receiving TDs.
DT Akeem Spence vs. C Corey LinsleyWith All-Pro Gerald McCoy now on IR, Spence (33 tackles, two sacks) must step up and provide an inside pass rush to keep Aaron Rodgers from finding a rhythm. Spence will see a lot of Linsley, a rookie fifth-round pick, who has started every game and is Pro Football Focus's third-highest rated center, having allowed just one sack and two QB hits all season.
WR Mike Evans vs. CB Sam ShieldsEvans added another TD to his rookie-leading total of 11 last week. While the Packers rank 13th with 251.4 receiving ypg allowed, they have allowed 20 TDs to opposing wide receivers, the second most in the NFL. Bonus note: If Evans gains 52 yards and Vincent Jackson puts up 69 yards, they will be just the third team with two 1,000+-yard receivers this year.
LB Lavonte David vs. RB Eddie LacyLacy is averaging 98.3 rushing ypg over the last four weeks, at a pace of 5.3 yards per carry. He has runs of 10+ yards on 15 of his 73 carries in that time frame. David, who posted 12 tackles and a sack last Sunday, will lead the attack in limiting Lacy's numbers. Despite missing two games, David has 133 tackles, the second most in the league.
QB Josh McCown vs. LB Clay MatthewsMatthews has 7.5 sacks on the season, leading his team, and has been producing highlights no matter which LB position he lines up in. He adds two forced fumbles and an interception to his resume. McCown will need to account for Matthews on every play and do his best to avoid pressure in order to have success finding his receivers downfield.
RBs Doug Martin & Charles Sims vs. S Morgan BurnettThe Bucs RB duo had 178 combined yards from scrimmage last week thanks to a few big rushes from Martin and strong open-field moves from Sims. They will have a good chance to continue that recent success against a Packers defense that is allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game. Burnett leads Green Bay and all NFL defensive backs this season with 112 tackles.
**
NOW ON BUCCANEERS.COM**
Pewter Panel: Packers
Top 10 quotes of the week
'Dini's Den' does Christmas
NFL Film preview: TB-GB
Keys to the Game: Packers
Martin on consistency
Key matchups: Bucs-Packers
Injury report (12/19)
Week 16 expert picks
Physical line play key to game
Scouting Report: Packer
MORNING CLIPS
*The Tampa Tribune: Ex-Bucs HC Tedford headed to CFL as head coach
The Tampa Tribune:McCoy sorry not to play against Rodgers *ESPN:Lovie Smith: *Bucs not aiming for No. 1 draft pick
*ESPN: *McCoy sad he can't play against Aaron Rodgers
USA Tody: Packers-Buccaneers capsule
The Tampa Bay Times:* Green Bay to pack 'em in at Bucs home game
The Tampa Bay Times: Scouting the NFC South
Sporting News: Eddie Lacy going in 'blind' against Buccaneers
Bleacher Report: *Bucs Late season, 7-round mock draft
*PewterReport.com: Evans, Jackson on verge of making Bucs history*
JoeBucsFan.com: *Leslie Frazier and the Packers
FROM THE ENEMY
Packers.com: Packers defense wants to build momentum
Packers.com: Packers at best when they mix run and pass
Packers.com: Packers at Buccaneers: Five key matchups**
AROUND THE DIVISION**
Saints: Week 15 report card
Panthers: Newton probable for Browns game
Falcons: Jones questionable for game in New Orleans
TWEET OF THE DAY
