The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) will take on the St. Louis Rams (0-1) Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Here are several matchups between individual players and/or certain team units that could go a long way towards determining the game's final outcome:
RB Doug Martin vs. RB Zac Stacy
Both backs entered 2014 with big expectations that they didn't meet in Week One action, though neither got many opportunities to show their skills. Martin had nine yards on nine carries, Stacy rushed for 43 on only 11 attempts. As both teams try to establish the run game, expect more chances for both backs to make a splash this season.
T Anthony Collins vs. DE Robert Quinn
Anthony Collins kept the Panthers impressive DEs silent, allowing just one QB hit, with no hurries or sacks in Week 1. Today, he faces an equally daunting challenge against Quinn who has 29.5 sacks over the last two seasons, but didn't record one last week against Minnesota. Collins will look to extend that to a two-game streak.
Bucs WR Vincent Jackson (right) is likely to draw a lot of attention from the Rams' top cornerback, Janoris Jenkins
WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Janoris Jenkins
Jackson has faced the Rams twice in the last two seasons, racking up 206 yards on 12 receptions. After a four-catch, 36-yard Week 1, Jackson will look to match his previous production vs. St. Louis while scoring his first touchdown against the team in a Bucs jersey. Jackson should see a lot of Jenkins, who recorded six tackles last week.
LB Lavonte David vs. Everyone
It's difficult to find one fixed matchup for the All-Pro linebacker. Once again this season he has proven to be all over the field, leading the Bucs with 10 tackles in the opener. In his two games vs. the Rams he's led the team with nine- and 11-tackle performances. In a game celebrating an NFL LB legend, Hall of Famer and Ring of Honor inductee Derrick Brooks, look for David to impress with another strong game.
CB Alterraun Verner vs. Rams Receivers
Verner ended Week 1 graded as the NFL's top corner according to Pro Football Focus. He made big stops in the run game and Carolina only threw in his direction once, a four-yard gain. Rams WRs Brian Quick, Chris Givens and Tavon Austin combined for 12 catches and 163 yards, which could be tough to repeat if the Rams also avoid one side of the field.
