Top One-on-One Matchups in 2022 

The back-and-forth series continues. In ‘List with a Twist,’ Senior Writer Scott Smith and I are discussing a variety of Buccaneers-related topics prior to the start of the 2022 NFL season. However, our list diverges from the plethora of compilations occupying the internet. We are creating a variety of topics regarding the upcoming season, but the person creating the rundown does not get to choose his or her own prompt. Scott Smith and I will alternate creating topics and making the other answer with their own top-five ranking.

My second challenge to Scott will require some film study on the Bucs’ opposition. Without further delay, let’s dive right into it.

Today’s Topic: After reviewing the Bucs’ 2022 opponents, what one-on-one matchups catch the eye? In other words, which battles do fans need to circle on the schedule now.

After going through the schedule myself, many highly anticipated matchups line the 17-game season, including battles between Bucs’ Devin White and Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey and Bucs’ Lavonte David versus Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. Football is often decided by the mismatches. Whether that is the clash between a cornerback and a receiver, an offensive tackle against a defensive end, or a linebacker against a running back/tight end, each matchup creates an exhilarating show on the gridiron week-after-week. I will even expand your options. For this challenge, you can dip into coaches as well. More than just the athletes on the field, often the chess match between an offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator draws attention. Who creates the better gameplan and exploits the opponents’ weaknesses? All of the above is fair game.

Scott, you are on the hot seat. It is your job to overview the best against, well, the best of the 2022 schedule. So, who will you choose to pinpoint? Many matchups will influence the games but only a set few will have the power to dictate the outcome. I’m impatiently waiting to read your interpretation of the pinnacle of…