Michael Crabtree vs. Patrick Peterson among matchups to watch

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In his weekly "Bucky's Best" series, former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks highlights the can't-mi s matchups you need to watch.Most favorable offensive matchup/ vs. ' run defenseThe ' potent running game features a fine 1-2 punch in Ivory and Johnson. Each runner po se ses the speed, quickne s and burst to take it the distance, but both are gritty runners between the tackles. Although Ivory brings a little more physicality and toughne s to the table, Johnson's explosivene s makes him just as dangerous to defend on inside runs. Considering 's commitment to "Ground and Pound," it's not a surprise the are bludgeoning opponents with .After Chicago's spirited performance , it's easy  Thabo Sefolosha Jersey to forget about the ' struggles against the run in . Chicago's defense lacked gap discipline and cohesion at the point of attack in Week 1. And though the unit shored up some of those i sues against and Co. last Sunday night, the ' potent running game will test the physicality of the ' unit. If the "Monsters of the Midway" are not up to par, Gang Green's punishing ground game could produce a lopsided result Monday night.Most favorable defensive matchup vs. ' offensive lineThe most dominant defensive player in the game began the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, notching three tackles, one sack, one pa s defensed and blocking an extra point in . Watt's relentle sne s was on full display, as he completely blew up the ' offensive game plan. In Week 2, he added a score to his stat sheet, as a short-yardage tight end. From a defensive standpoint, Watt has been nearly impo sible to stop, regularly showcasing his talent, versatility and disruptivene s. He overwhelms blockers with his quickne s and exhibits the kind of power that makes quarterbacks quiver in the pocket.Against a offensive line that's struggled owning the line of scrimmage and protecting , Watt could enjoy a banner day -- unle s 's troops are able to regroup prior to game day. , , , and must play on a string, communicating their a signments along the line to contain Watt on stunts and when he uses his clever pa s Sterling Brown Jersey -rushing tactics. Additionally, Pugh and Beatty must find a way to slow down the All-Pro defensive end on one-on-one battles on the edge.Best WR-CB matchup/ vs. /For all of the conversation about the ' powerful running game, the wide receivers could play a vital role in helping the team rediscover its winning ways against the . Crabtree and Boldin are strong, physical pa s catchers with extraordinary hands and ball skills. They win with grit and guile on the perimeter, which makes them tough to defend in straight man coverage.The , however, are well-equipped to handle the ' big-bodied receivers. Both Peterson and Cromartie are long, rangy corners with the size and strength to wrestle with Boldin and Crabtree on the edge. Additionally, the two defenders are superior athletes, po se sing the speed and quickne s to eliminate the deep ball. Given 's struggles with ball placement and accuracy, the ' ability to blanket the ' top receivers could force the fourth-year pa ser into another poor performance.Most intriguing matchup/ vs. ' linebackersTo the casual eye, the ' offense appears to revolve around quarterback , but league observers understand David Nwaba Jersey  that it is 's use of his running backs that makes his system so tough to the defend. McCoy and Sproles are unique, electric talents capable of taking over games; Kelly does a great job of getting them the ball on an a sortment of zone-reads, stretch plays and screens. Coming off where the duo combined for 280 total yards from scrimmage on 35 combined touches, the will certainly rely on their two-headed rushing attack against a defense that's been surprisingly stingy this season. will attempt to snuff out the ' running game by plugging gaps with his front seven, particularly and . As inside linebackers in a 3-4 defense, the two defenders should be able to run freely to the ball from the second level to contain the inside and outside zone. In addition, they'll be responsible for keeping Sproles and McCoy in check on screen pa ses. In a game where big plays are coveted at a premium, the winner of this particular matchup will likely determine the outcome.Best under-the-radar matchup vs. Quinn certainly made a case for being the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year after tallying 19 sacks one season ago. The 24-year-old All-Pro is a freakish athlete with explosive first-step quickne s and burst. He frequently blows past blockers with a speed rush, but also displays an inside counter that allows him to win against aggre sive offensive tackles. Thus, Quinn is a handful to deal with when he is able to pin his ears back and come after the quarterback.Smith is one of the best young offensive tackles in the game, exhibiting a combination of size, strength and athleticism that makes him an impenetrable wall on the edge. The ' standout mauls elite pa s rushers at the line with his strong hands and ma sive frame. He frequently uses a short set and power punch to stone rushers in their tracks, particularly against smaller guys who prefer to use speed and quickne s to turn the corner. In addition, Smith loves to use his size (6-5, 320) and strength to mash edge rushers in the run game. He not only blows defenders off the ball, but he finishes in a fiery manner that changes the way rushers attack off the edge. Although these tactics won't alter the way Quinn pursues quarterback , Smith's methods could keep the star from having a big impact on Sunday.Best coaching matchupAdam Gase vs. Dan QuinnAll eyes will be on the che s match that ensues between these coordinators after the ' demolition of the in . Everyone wants to see how Gase will adjust his strategy to attack the "Legion of Boom" on the perimeter. From the utilization of picks and rub routes to cleverly mixing in a variety of exotic formations, the ' offensive coordinator will need to come up with a plan to attack a defense that's snuffed out many of the top quarterbacks in the game.For Quinn, this is an opportunity to get the back on track after . The used to knock off the defending champs, so it's  Tyson Chandler Jersey important Quinn has answers for the problems that plagued the against . In a copycat league where everyone steals ideas from their coaching brethren, Quinn's ability to correct the ' flaws could determine whether Seattle bullies Denver in this high-octane rematch.Bucky's Beast, QB, After getting off to a slow start, Brady should be able to find his groove against the haple s . Oakland has been unable to slow down its first two opponents, surrendering 364.5 total yards per game and getting dominated in time of po se sion (roughly 37 minutes to 23 minutes). Brady hasn't looked like himself of late, completing just 55.8 percent of his pa ses this season. But, given plenty of time to attack an aging defense with few playmakers, the perennial pa ser should be able to get back on track Sunday. I expect him to feed the ball to and while building chemistry with his other options in the pa sing game. ALREADY COMPLETEDBest Thursday night matchup: vs. The would be wise to get Jones the ball in space against the . The 6-foot-3, 220-pound playmaker leads the NFL with six receptions of 20-plus yards and remains one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. From his impre sive stop-start quickne s to his explosive running skills in the open field, Jones poses a tremendous challenge for defenders tasked with guarding him in man Kenyon Martin Jr. Jersey  coverage.That's why Verner will need to bring his "A" game to slow down the ' most explosive offensive option. The defender is a gritty cover corner with outstanding instincts, awarene s and toughne s, but he lacks exceptional top-end speed. Thus, if the can catch him isolated with Jones on the perimeter, they might be able to exploit the corner on vertical routes. by a hamstring ailment,