Green Bay offense vs. Tampa Bay defense

	PACKERS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	21
	Pass	7
	Tot. Yds.	11
	Scoring	14
	Int's allowed	20
	Sacks allowed	33
	BUCCANEERS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	11
	vs. Pass	3
	Total yds. allowed	3
	# of Ints.	18
	# of Sacks	40
	Turnover differential	-10

Brett Favre's history of disappointments in the Metrodome continued last Monday in the Packers' 24-20 defeat. Unlike past losses, this one could not be solely pinned on Favre. On the very first play from scrimmage, LOT Mike Wahle, who was starting for Ross Verba, let Chris Doleman blow by him and force a fumble as Favre was setting to throw. That play set the tone for the entire night, as Green Bay's offense was only able to generate 13 points against a very suspect Vikings' defense. Wahle was later pulled but the damage had been done.

Pass protection will be a huge concern for offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis this Sunday when his team faces the hungry Bucs. Tampa got to Favre five times in their Week 5 contest, with Warren Sapp and Chidi Ahanotu each registering a pair. Green Bay's interior line held up well against the Vikes but Tampa's inside duo is much more active. The Bucs will again defend the pass with their tight zone coverages, hoping Green Bay's inexperienced receiver corps has a difficult time locating seams.

The Packers desperately need a presence down the middle of the field and TE Jeff Thomason appears to be the guy. Starter Tyrone Davis was benched late in the Vikings game after a dropped third-down pass, while both Thomason and third-stringer Lamont Hall made plays. Tampa was scorched on the perimeter by WRs Antonio Freeman and Bill Schroeder in the battle at Lambeau. The pair combined for 14 catches, 310 yards and two touchdowns, including Freeman's diving 21-yard score with just over a minute remaining.

Green Bay opened with a smart game plan last week, working RB Dorsey Levens into the flow with a good mix of runs and screen passes. Levens carried 26 times for 99 yards against the Vikings but only 23 of those came in the second half when the Vikings walked up SS Robert Griffith near the line of scrimmage to support the run.

Two key plays that sealed the Packers' fate were a pair of stuffed quarterback sneaks on third-and-one. OC Frank Winters' inability to get under NT Jerry Ball's pads allowed penetration that ultimately killed scoring drives. The Packers must play stronger between the tackles against a defense that was gashed last week for 262 yards on the ground by the Raiders.

Oakland had success running straight at the heart of the Bucs' defense -- their linebackers. For perhaps the first time all season, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's defense looked unprepared and lethargic. Heading into the playoffs, Tampa needs to play its most physical game of the season in order to send a message that last week was a fluke.

A week after playing over-conservative against the Panthers, defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas went after Minnesota's Jeff George with an intense blitz package. Although they recorded just one sack, this scheme worked well for the Packers early as George was forced to hurry a lot of throws. SS LeRoy Butler was the most used player on the blitz and his activity often left the cornerbacks in man coverage. DCs Tyrone Williams and rookie Antuan Edwards were both caught looking in the backfield on plays that resulted in big gains by Randy Moss. While the Bucs don't have a receiver of Moss' caliber, a guy like Jacquez Green has enough speed to get behind coverage. If Tampa's offensive line can effectively neutralize the blitz, they will finally have a chance to open things up.

Tampa's once-strong running game has seemingly disappeared. RB's Mike Astott and Warrick Dunn have combined for a paltry 51 yards the past two games and it's doubtful their fortunes will change this week against an improved Packers run defense. The inability of OC Tony Mayberry and Paul Gruber to practice during the week is the root of the ground woes. While the coaching staff denies it publicly, it's impossible to maintain cohesion up front when guys play together just once a week.

Though opponents continue to pick apart their secondary, Green Bay's front seven is stacking well at the point of attack and closing off gaps. Green Bay is still surrendering over 114 yards per game on the ground but over the past three games that figure has been just 60.0. DT Gilbert Brown spearheaded the short-yardage run defense, limiting the Vikings to just 76 yards on the ground (30 below their average).

Look for the Packers to use a number of run blitzes with LBs Bernardo Harris and Jude Waddy to test the mobility of Tampa's offensive line. Both players have been effective in that role this season and their effectiveness will force King to win the game with his arm.