QUARTERBACKS/RECEIVERS vs. DEFENSIVE BACKS
When the Raiders have the ball: Rich Gannon is the NFL’s MVP and he’s played like it the last two playoff games. He threw 26 TDs and only 10 INTs this season and is even more on his game now, with No. 3 WR Jerry Porter emerging as a game-breaker. Of course, there’s Jerry Rice and Tim Brown to deal with, too, not to mention TE Doug Jolley. The Bucs’ secondary is part of their strength, with CBs Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber terrific cover men. SS John Lynch will be the biggest hitter on the field.
Edge: Raiders
When the Buccaneers have the ball: QB Brad Johnson had the best year of his career with 22 TDs, only 6 INTs and a 92.9 rating. His WRs aren’t fleet, but they’re playmakers, led by Keyshawn Johnson, who’s as tough as they come, Keenan McCardell, a solid complement, and Joe Jurevicius showing his ability with his big catch last week. Watch out for TE Ken Dilger in the red zone. The Raiders’ CBs, Tory James and Charles Woodson, had a great game against the Jets, but Woodson struggled against the Titans. Veteran FS Rod Woodson is always around the ball.
Edge: Raiders
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bucs are decent in the return game, with Karl Williams (9.5-yard average) handling punts capably, having returned one for a TD this season, and Aaron Stecker returns KOs for a strong 25.2-yard average. Oakland’s Tim Brown averaged only 5.5 yards on punt returns and does more fair catching than returning. Marcus Knight, who averages 24.3-yards per KO return, is dangerous, with a long of 65.
Edge: Buccaneers
RUNNING BACKS vs. LINEBACKERS
When the Raiders have the ball: Charlie Garner is a terror as a runner and passcatcher and his battle with great LB Derrick Brooks will be something to see. Brooks has the speed to chase him from sideline to sideline. Tyrone Wheatley is a banger and Zack Crockett has a nose for the end zone. Don’t blink or you’ll miss MLB Shelton Quarles, who explodes to the ball.
Edge: Buccaneers
When the Buccaneers have the ball: The combination of RBs Mike Alstott and Michael Pittman will not overwhelm anyone. Alstott is tough in short yardage but not a gamebreaker, while Pittman often struggles. Bill Romanowski isn’t what he used to be but he makes big plays. Eric Barton is the best of the bunch here.
Edge: Raiders
OFFENSIVE LINE vs. DEFENSIVE LINE
When the Raiders have the ball: You want tonnage? You’ve come to the right place. Raiders are simply huge. LG Frank Middleton and DT Warren Sapp will yap at each other all game. Look for DE Simeon Rice to use his quickness vs. LT Barry Sims. Oakland has 21 rushing TDs, Bucs have allowed only eight.
Edge: Raiders
When the Buccaneers have the ball: This is not exactly a classic battle. Bucs aren’t very big or powerful and struggle in run-blocking but Raiders aren’t exactly a fearsome foursome. DT Rod Coleman off the bench leads team with 11 sacks. C Jeff Christy is the anchor for Bucs and LT Roman Oben plugs away.
Edge: Raiders
COACHING
Bill Callahan in his first year has been a steady hand guiding the Raiders, who appreciate his straight-forward style. But don’t be fooled, he calls an aggressive game and often an unpredictable game. Jon Gruden has turned the Bucs’ offense around and injected more fight in his team with his relentless intensity. His gameplan last week vs. Eagles was masterful.
Edge: Buccaneers
KICKING GAME
The Bucs are in capable feet with Martin Gramatica (128 points on 32-of-39 FGs), who made a couple key FGs last week in Philly. Tom Tupa had a solid season punting for Tampa with a 42.8-yard gross average and a 35.4- yard net. Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski (26-of-33 on FGs, 128 points) has a stronger leg than his counterpart, but might not be quite as accurate. P Shane Lechler averaged 42.5-yards gross and 32.7 net.
Edge: Raiders