I’ve switched it up a little and instead of key matchups, I’m going to be focusing on key players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ game this week. Which really isn’t all that different, but hey, why not.

Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay

The Green Bay Packers has the fourteenth ranked rushing defense in the NFC. Yes kids, that’s out of 16 teams. They’re coming off a week in which Marion Barber put up 142 yards against them. That’s what the Bucs need from their starting running back.

Graham is coming off a game in which he only produced 16 yards on 12 carries. But that was kind of expected against the Chicago Bears’ defense. Now he’s going up against a team that allows 151 yards per game on the ground and he has a chance to define the flow of the game. If Graham can get going early and often, it could be a long day for the Packers. The Bucs need to play clock control because we all know Brian Griese isn’t going to put the ball in the air 67 times again anytime soon.

Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay

10 catches?!? 138 yards?!?

Bucs fans are still in shock over Bryant’s performance against the Bears. A career underachiever who was out of football in 2007, Bryant caught a career high 10 catches against the Bears and suddenly Bucs fans had dreams of a big wide receiver that holds onto the ball.

Here’s the problem. In the previous two games, Bryant had 3 total catches. The Bucs also threw the ball only 41 and 31 times n those games – or 26 and 36 less times than they did against the Bears. The issue for Bryant is those attempt numbers from the first two games are much more likely to happen consistently than the 67 against the Bears. So expect his production to dip. However, the most important thing for Bryant to do is CATCH THE BALL! Against the Bears he looked like an All-Pro. Against everyone else, he’s looked no better than a 4th or even 5th option based on his drops.

Bryant probably won’t get 10 catches again, but if he can hold onto the ball, 6-8 is realistic and he definitely can be a game changer.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay

Repeat after me. Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. Go ahead. It’s okay. Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. One more time. Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. Okay good. So the Bucs have absolutely nothing to worry about. They are facing the Rodgers-led Pack. Not the Favre-led Pack.

Wait. What? Rodgers is playing better than Favre so far this year? No way. You’re kidding. Rodgers has a higher rating and hasn’t thrown an interception this year? Seriously? Yes seriously. Rodgers has shown in three games that he isn’t a bad quarterback. Far from it. But like I’ve said about other players, he can’t keep this up every game. Even league MVPs have off games from time to time and the Bucs main goal is to make sure this is an off game for Rodgers. He has the receivers to stretch the field, the running game to help him move the ball, and the patience and intelligence to not make bad throws. Since Rodgers isn’t going to make plays for them, it’s up to the Bucs to force him too.

Gaines Adams & Greg White, DEs, Tampa Bay

I’m going to the mall today and purchasing a white Adams jersey and a red White jersey! Okay that’s probably not a good idea considering the poor jersey choices I’ve already made during my lifetime. But I am in love with these two.

Along with the venerable Kevin Carter, Tampa Bay has put together one of the league’s top defensive line rotations. Don’t believe me? White is fifth in the league in sacks and Adams is one of only two defensive lineman to return an interception for a touchdown. Oh and for good measure, Carter leads Bucs’ defensive ends with 9 tackles.

Anyway, Adams and White are crucial in this game. Rodgers has looked very good in three starts, but here’s the key stat: Rodgers was sacked only once in the two wins, but five times in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Anyone can put two and two together. GET TO RODGERS! Statistically speaking Rodgers had his worst game against Dallas and it’s no coincidence that the Packers lost. Adams, White, and even Carter must come at him over and over and over and over and…

Each week we’ll take a look at a few of the key matchups for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ upcoming game.

When the Bucs have the ball…

Warrick Dunn vs. Bears’ Defense

So far this season, the Chicago Bears have completely shut down their opponents’ starting running backs. In week 1, they held Joseph Addai of the Indianapolis Colts to 44 yards on 12 carries for an average of only 3.7 yards per carry. Against the Carolina Panthers in week 2, DeAngelo Williams only managed 2.8 yards per carry, running the ball 11 times for 31 yards. Since Earnest Graham has been so effective during the Bucs’ first two games, you have to think the Bears’ defense will key in on him. They have forced opponents to beat them through the air and if they can take away Tampa Bay’s run game, they stand a good chance to come out with the win.

The Bucs need to keep pounding away, but not necessarily with Graham. Against the Panthers, the Bears showed fatigue in the second half. Jonathan Stewart had 1 carry for 1 yard in the first half, but in the second he totaled 76 yards on 13 carries with 2 touchdowns. In the past, the Bucs have shied away from the running game if their primary ball carrier can’t get it going. Against the Bears, they can’t do that. This year, Tampa Bay is in a good situation where their backup can be just as effective. Although he’s a different type of player, Warrick Dunn has shown he still has something left in the tank. The Bucs know the Bears will be ready for Graham, so they need to mix it up early to keep them guessing. Get Dunn in the game right away and work the short passing game and the outside toss plays.

When the Bears have the ball…

Matt Forte vs. Barrett Ruud

Matt Forte has played very well in his first two NFL games, but can he keep it up? The Bucs’ defense has been good against the run for years now. The Bears appear confident that Forte can – and will – be their primary ball carrier. He had 23 carries in each of their first two games and they will continue to give him the ball as long as he performs. Chicago got what they needed at running back, but Forte won’t keep up his current pace. Raise your hand if you really think he’ll finish the year with his projected 1,700+ yards. I know I don’t. Not that Forte can’t be a good back in this league, but he’s still a rookie and will have a few stumbles along the way.

It’s key for the Bucs to be one of his roadblocks. Chicago has a shakier passing attack than Tampa Bay and against this defense Kyle Orton isn’t going to win this game with his arm. The Bears will have to rely on the running game and the Bucs will have to stop it. It all starts with middle linebacker Barrett Ruud. Hardy Nickerson was instrumental in turning around the Tampa Bay defense in the 90’s. Shelton Quarles performed at a much higher level than anyone ever expected. But Ruud has more talent than either one of them. He is a superstar in the making and games like this let him showcase what he can do. Ruud must make sure the defense knows where Forte is whenever he’s on the field. Sure tackling and keeping Forte from breaking a big one will keep the Bucs in this game.

Bears’ Offensive Line vs. Greg White

The Bears’ offensive line has only allowed Orton to be sacked three times in two games and has helped pave the way for a running game averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Anchored by Olin Kreutz and John Tait, Chicago has a solid offensive line that can neutralize most defensive front sevens. The last time these teams faced each other the Bucs sacked Bears’ quarterback Rex Grossman 4 times, but lost in the game in overtime. However, that was a much different Bears team who made it all the way to the Super Bowl.

The Bucs also didn’t have Greg White back then. White had 8 sacks last season – his first in the NFL – and already has 2.5 this year. He’s also just signed an incentive-laden contract this week and will be ready to show everyone the Bucs were smart in giving it to him. White creates a problem for offensive lines because they can’t focus just on him. They also have to key in on Gaines Adams, who continues to improve. If the Bears double one, the other will have a big day.

Special Teams…

Devin Hester vs. Bucs’ Special Teams

Devin Hester has a problem. He knows he’s possibly the greatest returner to ever play the game. He thinks he can take every kick to the house. Confidence isn’t a bad thing, but something similar happened to Dante Hall and he virtually disappeared. What made Hester so great was not thinking about it as much as just doing it. If he saw an opening, he took it. Now he wants to beat everyone to prove he can do it. Luckily for him and the Bears, it’s early enough in his career that this can be corrected and he has more than enough talent as a returner to overcome this. He just needs to realize when downing the ball might be the best option.

Regardless of Hester’s state of mind, Tampa Bay needs to treat him like he can score on every return. It’s true that the best kick returners have talent and speed, but it’s also true that most returns for touchdown occur because someone on the other team blew an assignment. So to the Bucs: STAY IN YOUR LANES! Tampa Bay has to stick to its plan regardless of who’s back there returning kicks. Stay in your lanes and make the tackle. Don’t go into every kick thinking you’re the one that’s going to stop the best returner in the NFL. Just make the smart play.

What was thought to be a serious injury earlier in the week, is now being labeled as just some bruising, so there’s a good chance Hester will be ready to go on Sunday.

First the really bad news: Joey Galloway and Aqib Talib are questionable for this weekend's game against the Chicago Bears. If it's any consolation, Derrick Brooks was questionable last week and he played, sooo don't count those guys out just yet.

Greg White finally got paid. I dont think anyone thought it would occur two weeks into the season, but its official. White signed a two year extension that will keep him in Tampa through 2010. The cool thing (for us) is that the majority of the money White stands to bank is dependent upon how productive he is in the sack department. I proposed this very same contract stipulation this off-season, i guess Bruce Allen listened, yeah right.

One player is coming back from suspension, TE Jerramy Stevens, and another is going to be suspended, CB Elbert Mack, for one game thanks to the OVERLY UNNECESSARY hit he put on Falcons Rookie QB Matt Ryan during the Piscitelli interception provided below. This hurts as Talib may not be able to go Sunday and Elbert would have been called upon. So much for that.

The NBA's Gilbert Arenas does it, so does MLB's Curt Schilling, so why not #91 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Big boy Greg White... That's right, our Defensive End has a Blog and he plans to update it regularly (good luck with that my man). At Greg's blog: Blitz91.com he has a section where you can send in questions to the big fella and so i did..

JScott: Greg... Big 91... Let the fan base in on your current move from Left Defensive End, back to Right Defensive End. Some call it a demotion, some wonder why Kevin Carter is starting and some wish you, Gaines, and Jovan could all start. Let us know whats up man!

Greg White: I never considered being moved to the left side as a demotion..I am glad they moved me back to the right side! As far as Kevin Carter goes, he could possibly be going to the hall of fame.. I respect him tremendously.. I have learned alot of things not just about football but life too [from him].. He is very down to earth for being a multi- millionaire (he would hate if I called him that..lol). Although, I do second the motion about Gaines, Jovan and I starting.. What do you expect me to say!? If it was Kevin he would more than likely say, he should be starting and if he didn't then shame on him!

Be sure to check Greg's blog out regularly as this opportunity to peer directly into an athletes life (on your favorite team) is almost unheard of. His first blog post was about the upcoming roster cuts and how he's dealt with them over the years. It's a struggle to read, but it's the man's first post so cut him some slack!!

I can't wait to follow his progress throughout the season, should be good...

What has Greg White been busy doing all off-season outside of eating, sleeping, hanging out, getting in shape, working hard, and getting stronger? He's been busy becoming a father. A dog-father of a Boxer Puppie.

"Yeah, I got me a little puppy now, a boxer, so I’ve taken a little time for that," White laughed on Wednesday after trudging off the Buccaneers’ practice field. - Buccaneers.com

Last off-season I wanted to post a story about Chris Hovan and his two dogs but never got around to it, so Greg White bailed me out. You would think Greg White would be a bitter man by all accounts this off-season, but he seems more determined than ever to make this NFL thing work. That only bodes well for the Bucs and Monte Kiffins defense.

Greg White on he and Gaines Adams progression together:

"We kind of know each other better now and we get the opportunity to work the full year instead of just odd times," White said. "We kind of came together last year when we went in on nickel defense. Then he progressed to starting and I stayed on nickel defense, but we’re coming together slowly but surely. A lot of people are hoping (try the entire fan base my man) that we get together and become a tandem. We both can rush the passer, but he has a different style. He’s 6-6 and I’m 6-3, so it’s a little different. But I’m definitely looking forward to it." - Buccaneers.com

I figured he would have more of a rapport with DT Jovan Haye then he would with Gaines Adams since he physically lines up along side Haye, but what do i know.. It's amazing how the defense continues to evolve into this younger offensive killing machine, while our offense throughout the years has never put together two consistent years back-to-back..