It's speed against speed. Quickness against quickness. Cat-like reflexes against cat-like reflexes. Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is among the most elusive players in the NFL, but few avoid the reach of Bucs defensive end Simeon Rice. The NFL sack leader with 15, Rice is 1.5 shy of Warren Sapp's franchise record.
"Yeah, I should get that this week," Rice said.
Though Rice usually lines up at right end, the blind side to a right-handed quarterback, Vick is a lefty who likes to scramble to his left - toward Rice. In the first of two meetings last season, Rice had 1.5 sacks and knocked Vick out of the game with a shoulder injury.
But Rice does not necessarily look forward to chasing Vick around this afternoon.
"That type of cat makes you think twice," Rice said. "But if you're truly one of the great ones, this is something you really want."
