Aqib Talib vs Steve Smith - how they stack up

Daniel Shirely/USA Today Sports

Aqib Talib and Steve Smith are 2 familiar foes, as they frequently went up against each other when Talib was with the Tamapa Bay Buccaneers and they matched up twice a year. So, what can we expect this time around? Talib has blanketed some of the best in the game this year, from Julio Jones in Atlanta to Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints, so is it fair to expect him to blanket Steve Smith?

My verdict is yes, but it's not without reservation. I like Talib to shutdown anyone on his day, but he's coming off injury, so I'm worried that the layoff may have a negative impact. But the other way to look at it is that Talib will be fresh and raring to get back to doing what he does best, and that's shut down the opposing number 1 receiver. And I think that's the side we'll see come Monday night. It might take a little while to shake off the rust, but not more than a drive, or maybe 2. Plus, I think the familiarity he has of Steve Smith from playing against Carolina with Tampa will play into the Patriots favor.

This will probably be a low scoring, defensive battle, and Talib vs. Smith will be the key match up to watch in the passing game for the Patriots. That battle will have a major affect on who wins this game, and I see no reason why Talib can't continue his shutdown ways.

Twitter - @ConorJF1016