Talib vs. White: Round 2

Earlier this season I was told what a moron I was (amongst other more colorful language) for pointing out that I thought Aqib Talib could handle Roddy White. Talib, as I’ve said over and over, is one  of the most underrated corners in all of football and as he’s proven six times this season, has a heck of a knack for the ball.

Apparently Roddy White gave Aqib Talib the edge in their first match-up. Though the Falcons ended up pulling out a close win that came down to a late goal-line stand. White was knocked out for part of the game with an injury and only had four receptions for 49 yards.

"“In our first matchup, I felt (Talib) won that one,” White said in a conference call with Tampa Bay media today. “He got the best of it. Besides me getting hurt, I just had like (49) yards or whatever, so he kind of kept me quiet throughout the game. I think he did a good job and this is Round 2.”"

Talib however didn’t agree, stating that a Falcons win (and Bucs loss) takes precedence over a good personal performance. Today’s match-up will see these two talented young players renew their acquaintances. And as I mentioned earlier, arguably one of the best one-on-one match-ups of the day will be seen by no one.

However, the aside, mutual respect in this game are high on both sides. White, who was not so benevolent when asked about Talib the first time recently opined:

"“He’s their best player right now on defence and you get yourself geared up and ready to go for competition like that,” White said of Talib earlier this week in Atlanta. “(Last game) I think he did a good job and this is round two.”"

Talib also speaks highly of Roddy White, who is featured alongside Matt Ryan on the front-page of NFL.com today as arguably the best passing duo in football.

"“I’m sure he gets pumped up for every game this time of the year,” Talib said Friday. “They are the best team in the league, (they have) the best record in the league, and they are trying to stay at home for the playoffs so it’s a crucial game for them. And we’re trying to get into the playoffs so it’s a crucial game for us, too. So I’m sure he and I get pumped up week in and week out.“Roddy catches the ball, man,” Talib said. “The biggest thing with him is that he catches the ball — high balls, low balls — he definitely has great hands.”"

And as for how things went the last time the Bucs matched up with the Falcons and White and Talib squared off:

"“We lost the game so I wasn’t really happy about anything watching that tape because I knew we lost the game at the end,” Talib said. “He says I got the best of him, but they won the game so I feel like I lost the match-up.”"