Denver offense vs. Tampa Bay defense

	BRONCOS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	15
	Pass	15
	Tot. Yds.	17
	Scoring	25
	Int's allowed	13
	Sacks allowed	17
	BUCCANEERS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	2
	vs. Pass	1
	Total yds. allowed	1
	Ints.	27
	Sacks	2
	Turnover differential	-8

After two games without John Elway, RB Terrell Davis can finally appreciate what the former quarterback did for his game.

With Elway gone and inexperienced Brian Griese now the starter, opponents are finding ways to shut down Terrell Davis. Through two games, Davis has carried the ball 40 times for 140 yards (3.5 avg.) and one touchdown. At the same point last season, Davis had gained 266 yards on 45 carries (5.9 avg.) and five touchdowns.

Why such a great discrepancy? Teams always feared that Elway would beat one-on-one matchups on the perimeter -- something that is not a real threat with Griese at QB. Without Elway around to assure that opponents respect the pass, teams are able to use their strong safety as an extra linebacker against the run.

Look for Tampa Bay to slant their defensive line and have SS John Lynch stay home on the backside to eliminate Davis' cutback lane. The Bucs' run defense is one of the most dominant groups in the league, allowing just 56 yards per game. The strength of the Bucs' front four is their ability to play the run and pass with equal effectiveness.

Denver LG Mark Schlereth, who struggles against quick DTs, will have his hands full with perhaps the quickest defensive lineman in the game, RDT Warren Sapp. Sapp, who had 3½ sacks last week against the overmatched Eagles, benefits greatly from Brad Culpepper, who discourages most double-teams. If Sapp can have the same type of game that Kanasas City's Chester McGlockton had a week ago vs. the Broncos, Davis will have a hard time gaining 60 yards.

Unlike in the past, Denver will have to throw the football early in order to for Davis to get untracked, but an essential part of Griese's game is play-action passing. The sophomore QB is adept at faking the handoff and then setting up on a half roll to deliver the ball downfield. However, he needs a running threat to make the fakes work.

Without the big play ability of WR Rod Smith, who will sit out another week with a groin injury, look for the Broncos to run a high-percentage, low-risk passing game to open the game. Griese is an accurate short and intermediate passer, so coach Mike Shannahan will likely call a lot of three- and five-step drop sequences to minimize Griese's time in the pocket.

The Bucs' defense epitomizes what every NFL coach is striving for-a front four that can apply pressure without having to sacrifice coverage for the sake of blitzing. Through two games, the Bucs' DL has recorded all 11 of the team's sacks, with five different players having at least one. The Bucs opted for a blitz-heavy philosophy last week when rookie QB Donovan McNabb entered the game, and Griese should look for similar treatment this week.

Tampa Bay offense vs. Denver defense

	BUCCANEERS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	12
	Pass	28
	Tot. Yds.	28
	Scoring	21
	Int's allowed	2
	Sacks allowed	16
	BRONCOS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	28
	vs. Pass	10
	Total yds. allowed	18
	Sacks	29
	Turnover differential	-7

After an ugly opener, QB Trent Dilfer marginally redeemed himself last week against the Eagles, completing 7 of 14 passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Dilfer's biggest problem is his propensity to make errant throws into double-coverage. It's hard to overlook the fact that Dilfer also threw two interceptions against Philadelphia. While the Eagles don't have the offense to capitalize on those errors, Dilfer cannot afford those types of mistakes on Sunday.

The Bucs have talent at the WR position but Dilfer has failed to take advantage of the team's increased multiple-receiver sets. A good indication of just how poor the Bucs have been through the air is the fact that WR Bert Emmanuel is leading all WRs with four receptions and 72 yards. Though it doesn't sound like a wise move, the Bucs would be smart to test RCB Dale Carter. Carter was beaten badly in the preseason, and his poor play has carried over into the first two games. Carter's season has consisted getting beaten and making costly penalties.

For Tampa to win this game, the Bucs will have to do so on the ground with RBs Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott. The Bucs' offensive line is struggling to create running room, because the team is facing an increased number of stacked defenses. Tampa might be catching the Broncos at the perfect time because key injuries to their front seven. OLB John Mobley was lost for the season with a knee injury, and RDE Alfred Williams is battling back spasms.

The loss of Mobley especially hurts because it forces MLB Glenn Cadrez to move to Mobley's weakside position and rookie Al Wilson will now anchor the middle. While Wilson should respond fine inside, Cadrez cannot duplicate Mobley's playmaking ability outside. Though he will be disoriented at times, Cadrez is a versatile guy who plays well in space and should hold up well at his new position.

Look for the Bucs to use a lot of motion and a variety of sets in order to keep Wison and Cadrez constantly thinking about their assignments.

Special teams

	NFL RANK
	Category	DEN	TB
	Punt return avg.	29	14
	Kickoff return avg.	8	7
	Opp. punt return avg.	4	10
	Opp. kickoff ret. avg.	22	1
	Time of possession	21	6

The fortunes of the Broncos' special teams appear to be headed in the same direction as the rest of the team. Pro Bowl PK Jason Elam has missed both of his attempts from between 40-49 yards and P Tom Rouen is averaging less than 40 yards per attempt. Rookie RS Chris Watson is an exciting young player but he hasn't broken any big ones yet.

Tampa counters with its own special first-year player, PK Martin Gramatica, who has connected on all four of his field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder. Bucs RS Jacquez Green could decide this game. Green is as dangerous as they come and the Broncos coverage units could be without the services of many key people.

Key matchups