WEEK 3 MATCHUP.(Brief Article)

Randy Moss vs. Bucs' cover 2

In the past, Tampa Bay has stuck with its base cover 2 scheme to defend Vikings WR Randy Moss. The cover 2 is designed for the cornerback to pick up the receiver for approximately the first 15 yards and funnel him inside, where the safety is responsible for deep coverage in his half of the field. Few teams are as successful as the Bucs at playing cover 2, and CBs Ronde Barber and Donnie Abraham have practically mastered it.

But cover 2 is vulnerable to sideline routes and quick slants, where Moss will take advantage of the "soft" spots between the corner and safety. In two games last year, Moss torched the Bucs for 12 receptions, 183 yards and two touchdowns.

So after watching Moss catch just one pass in Week 1 against Panthers CB Rashard Anderson and FS Deon Grant, it makes sense that ...