Matchup ...

SS Jermaine Phillips vs. WR Terry Glenn

With the Bucs coming off a 24-7 loss to the 49ers in which the defense surrendered more than 400 yards, it must be hard for the Cowboys to decide what to attack first. Establishing the run will be a priority, but it won't take long for Dallas to go deep.

The Bucs' secondary is hurting.

If Pro Bowl strong safety John Lynch is out of the lineup with a pinched nerve, second-year player Jermaine Phillips will make his first career start at strong safety. In the Bucs' Cover 2 defense, the safeties are responsible for pass coverage in the deep middle of the field and also support the corners.

The Cowboys, who have a fondness for the flea flicker, will look to exploit the Bucs' inexperienced secondary, where Tim Wansley will start at left cornerback. Dallas receiver Terry Glenn, brought in by trade in February by coach Bill Parcells, leads the team with 23 catches for 333 yards and four touchdowns. He has explosiveness and blazing speed. Chances are, Glenn will use that speed to go deep down the middle.

Today's lineup
Bucs