When these teams last played on Dec. 19, 1999, coach Jon Gruden’s Raiders ran roughshod over coach Tony Dungy’s Bucs 45-0, the worst loss in Tampa’s history.
The Raiders gained 262 yards rushing to the Bucs’ 34. Fumbles by Mike Alstott and quarterback Shaun King led to Raiders touchdowns. The Bucs still made it to the NFC title game while the Raiders finished 8-8.
This is a perfect matchup: The Raiders have the No. 1 offense, No. 1 in passing, No. 2 in scoring, quarterbacked by league MVP Rich Gannon. The Bucs have the No. 1 defense, No. 1 against the pass, No. 1 against scoring led by the defensive player of the year, linebacker Derrick Brooks.
The Bucs led the league in interceptions; the Raiders led the league in fewest percentage of passes intercepted. The Raiders led the league in first downs; the Bucs led the league in allowing fewest first downs.
Both units are patient, waiting for mistakes. Defense usually prevails in these faceoffs, but little has gone to form this season. Both sides have been so consistent it’s hard to envision either of these units dominating the other.
EDGE: Bucs’ defense
