Commentary | Billy the Kid vs. Wyatt Earp takes center stage in Bucs-Steelers matchup
It's the Bucs versus the Steelers.
Get out the medical sheets and starting checking off names.
These are two banged-up teams, but the key to victory could be interesting: It's Billy the Kid vs. Wyatt Earp.
That's Marcus Arroyo against Dick LeBeau, a would-be gunslinger taking on the town sheriff.
The baby-faced Arroyo is the Bucs' interim offensive coordinator by default. LeBeau is the Steelers' defensive coordinator who has been in football since before color televisions.
With Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford on an extended leave of absence because of health reasons, Arroyo has moved up Tampa Bay's food chain.
At 34, he is one year younger than Bucs quarterback Josh McCown, who is out with a thumb injury.
LeBeau is 77. To him, AARP means Ageless Athletes Report Promptly. No one on the Steelers has ever seen him sleep. On plane rides, he is always awake telling stories, doing crossword puzzles or brushing up on how to destroy quarterbacks.
He played for Woody Hayes on Ohio State's 1957 national championship team. He played 14 years for the Detroit Lions with guys Arroyo only knows from his football encyclopedia, guys like Dick "Night Train" Lane.
LeBeau is the only known NFL coach who is beating Father Time.
In NFL years, Arroyo is a baby still wearing diapers. He talks fast and never seems to get rattled. Listen to him and you think he would make one heck of a politician.
But would you want him for your offensive coordinator?
Bucs head coach Lovie Smith has no choice.
So Sunday's Bucs-Steelers matchup features a new generation offensive mind going against a guy who used to stop wing T offenses before players wore facemasks.
LeBeau is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Arroyo is in the room down the hall that reads for novices only.
The Kid is being asked to run Tedford's offense because he knows it better than anyone else associated with the Bucs. That's because Tedford has never called a play for the Bucs.
LeBeau has seen every football play known to mankind and then some.
Arroyo will have Mike Glennon running his offense. LeBeau has Troy Polamalu running his defense.
Who are you betting on?
Glennon will have a banged-up running back in Doug Martin, his top receiver Vincent Jackson is playing with a broken wrist, and rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins looks like a health insurance advertisement.
LeBeau has an assortment of injuries with his defense, but he doesn't care. He has been there, done that thousands of times.
"It's a challenge. It's basically one-fourth of your starting lineup (out)," LeBeau says. "It won't be the only game during the season that this situation will arise. We try to practice for Plan B and Plan C. Many games I've been a part of, you have to have a Plan B, C and D.
It's doubtful Arroyo and the Bucs have a Plan A. Their offense will be operating on a wing and a prayer. The architect won't be there, and it's up to the Kid.
He will surely see zone blitzes LeBeau is famous for utilizing. They say his fire-zone blitzes that drop linemen into coverage and bring others to blitz cause even the most experienced quarterbacks to see ghosts.
Glennon saw a lot of demons and goblins last year, which is how he earned the nickname check-down quarterback. He doesn't like heat.
LeBeau will begin Sunday by talking to his players with his familiar greeting: "Good morning; it's a great day to be alive."
We are not so sure Glennon and the Kid will be sharing those thoughts.
Alan Dell, Herald sports writer, can be reached at 941-745-7056. Follow him on Twitter @ADellSports.
This story was originally published September 28, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Commentary | Billy the Kid vs. Wyatt Earp takes center stage in Bucs-Steelers matchup."