The Buccaneers aren’t the only team to have a disappointing season. The Atlanta Falcons coming off a 13-win season, finishing 1st in the NFC South, and losing in the NFC Championship (49ers) 28–24 would certainly fit that description. This Sunday, the 1-8 Buccaneers host the 2-7 Falcons. This game will have little to no affect on anything in the NFL.
So why does it matter? Few games are more bitter or intense than division games. For that reason, it should at the least be filled with drama.
Series tied: 20 TB – 20 ATL
Points Scored: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 834, Atlanta Falcons 752
The QB’s
Mike Glennon: 9TD, 4INT, 1304 Yds, 40.54 QBR
Matt Ryan: 16TD, 10INT, 2614 Yds, 67.72 QBR
So can lightning strike twice in a row? Can the Bucs deliver another much needed win to a mutinous fan base? Yes, actually, I think they can. I’m not completely sure what happened in Atlanta to cause a 13-win team to dissipate into a complete let down and disappointment. But I do know anything can happen on any given Sunday, and this is especially true of division games. The last time these two teams met in week 7,The Bucs lost 31-23.
By the numbers:
Atlanta’s average 20 points per game Tampa’s average 16 points per game
Atlanta’s defense gives up 27 points per game Tampa’s defense give up 23 points per game
So the question then becomes, “Can the Bucs offense out score Atlanta and can their defense hold off Matt Ryan?”
Injuries:
Falcons
Roddy White seems to be healthy for the first time this season. On the flip side, Tony Gonzalez is uncertain with a toe injury, Julio Jones out for the season with a foot injury. Harry Douglas has a knee injury.
Buccaneers
The Bucs have been decimated at RB. Losing Doug Martin, Mike James, Michael Smith, Jeff Demps all to injuries. Leaving Brian Leonard, Bobby Rainey, newly signed Michael Hill to shoulder the load.
With all that said, I do think the Bucs can win this game. On offense the Bucs need to run the ball; I know that is going to be hard with all the injuries at RB, not to mention what would happen if another RB gets injured. Nevertheless, the Bucs need to keep pressure off of their rookie QB Mike Glennon. The Bucs will lose this game if it becomes a shoot-out. Run the ball, control the line of scrimmage and the clock. Take smart shots down the field, don’t favor one receiver. Don’t be afraid to keep calling trick plays. In the last two weeks the Bucs have pulled of some nice plays. As always I fear if they get the lead Coach Schiano along with his coordinators will get conservative. Don’t let off the gas – try and put a game away, and for the love of everything that is right and pure, make a second half adjustment please.
The Bucs Defence needs to take Harry Douglas, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez out of the game – not suggesting another BountyGate, for the record, I mean they need to be made completely ineffective. None of them are completely healthy, so make them liabilities. The Bucs need to play up close, pressing them to make plays. Get after Matt Ryan, pressure him early and often. If the Bucs defense plays up to its potential and the coaches call the right plays they could dominate this game. I know, I’m asking a lot from the coaches (to do what they’re paid to do) but it’s possible.
Some fans (not me) when they sense their team is losing, wish for a tank-job – we all remember the “Suck for Luck” campaign. To those fans I would like to say shame on you. I want my team to win and so should you. I see the tweets, that the Bucs should just lose so they can draft (insert a college player here). Any way you look at it, the Bucs will be drafting in the top five spots, probably in the top three. Be a fan and root for your team to win. Have some pride and don’t pack it in for next spring’s draft. Think about #TBvsALT and consider how nice it would be not to finish last in the division. Support your team, #BucNation. End rant.
Will the Bucs win? The better question is, “can they win”. I think it’s possible. Once again, if they win it won’t mean anything on paper, but it should mean something to you. Monday’s are a lot easier when your team won on Sunday. Win or lose – #ItsABucsLife #FireSchiano #JustWin
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