Each week we preview one matchup per game that is such a mismatch that it should make an impact on the game, either through its exploitation or by changing a team's plans to try to compensate. At this point in the season, injuries have come to the forefront as the biggest stories around the league. Who can play and how well, especially at quarterback, will play a huge part in who wins each game.
Eagles PK David Akers vs. Bucs PK Martin Gramatica
The Eagles have owned the Bucs the last two seasons, beating them twice in the playoffs, which prompted the firing of head coach Tony Dungy. The combined score of those two games was a whopping 52-12. This contest won't be anywhere near that kind of blowout, thanks to the improvement of the Bucs' offensive line under new coach Bill Muir, which will pick up the Eagles blitzes and cut down on turnovers. The key for the matchup is, not surprisingly, is special teams. With defenses as strong as these, more field goals will be attempted than touchdowns scored. The Bucs' kicking game had a complete meltdown last week thanks to bad long snapping. The Bucs are trying to fix the problem by immediately signing a new snapper, but that creates a chemistry question. Both Akers and Gramatica are two outstanding kickers. Akers may be the best kicker in the league right now, especially at home on the bad turf and swirling winds of Veterans stadium. He is a perfect 10-for-10 this year.
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