Falcons at Buccaneers: 3 key matchups
Three key matchups
Falcons WR Roddy White vs. Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib: White leads the league in receptions with 84, but had only four catches for 49 yards in the last matchup with Talib. However, White suffered a knee injury and missed some of the action. Talib is tied for second in the league with six interceptions. Talib, who also ranks sixth on the team in tackles with 57, plays physical. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he's big enough to hold his own with White, who's an inch shorter yet six pounds heavier. "I just want to go out there and kind of compete," White said. "I always get riled up when I go against a good corner. I have to go out there, execute and just win my one-on-one battle."
Falcons SS William Moore vs. Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow: Moore leads the team with four interceptions and has been coming on in his first season as a starter. Winslow had four catches for 44 yards last week against Baltimore. He extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 71, third longest among active tight ends. The Bucs will line him up outside and try to create a mismatch. He leads the team with 47 catches, but has only two touchdowns.
Falcons RG Harvey Dahl vs. Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy: In recent games, McCoy, the third overall pick in zApril's NFL draft, has played well. He had two sacks last week against Baltimore and three sacks over the last two games. Dahl has been solid all season in pass protection and the run game. "He's going to be a great player for a long time," said Falcons center Todd McClure, who'll help out Dahl on some plays. "He's got some nice moves and plays really hard."
History lesson
- This is the 35th meeting. The Buccaneers lead the series 18-16.
- The Falcons won the previous matchup 27-21 on Nov. 7 at the Georgia Dome.
- The Buccaneers will wear their throwback, Creamsicle orange uniforms.
- The Buccaneers are inducting their first coach John McKay into their ring of honor. He is the father of Falcons president and former Tampa Bay general manager Rich McKay.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
