Steve Smith: 'I'm expecting physical battle with Aqib Talib'

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has revealed that he is expecting a "physical" contest against New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib.

Smith is renowned throughout the NFL for his combative style of play, but he believes that he is in for similar treatment from his former divisional rival.

"I expect a very physical game," Smith told ProFootballTalk.com. "He's long and lanky. He's a guy who's physical, who likes to play press coverage. You've got to be patient understanding the press.

"I expect him to play, we've had a long battle in Tampa Bay, I wouldn't expect anything less from a guy like that he's highly competitive and he wants to win just like I do."

The Panthers play the Patriots in their week 11 clash on Monday.