Last season, the NFL witnessed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sweep their season series against the Atlanta Falcons. For the Buccaneers, these games were a major display of their potential as a team, as their ability to go 2-0 against a 9-7 team must be commended. For the Falcons, these games make them despise their NFC South rival even more, making the opening game of the 2016 NFL Season even more intriguing. Without further ado, here is a look ahead at what to watch for in tomorrow’s game between the two rivals.
Week One Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Atlanta Falcons
Buccaneers
This game for the Buccaneers will feature several new players on defense. One area to keep a close eye on will certainly be Tampa Bay’s secondary. Featuring several new players such as Vernon Hargreaves III and Brent Grimes as probable starters, this secondary should be far better than they were last season. Along with Grimes and Hargreaves, the secondary features Alterraun Verner as one of their top cornerbacks, and as one of the team’s defensive leaders.
Moving on to the front seven, the Buccaneers feature several Pro Bowlers that can be absolute game changers on Sunday. Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David are the leaders of the front seven, and should play a huge role tomorrow. Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and 2011 First Team All-Pro Daryl Smith could also play a key role against Atlanta, as his addition in the offseason played a key role in solidifying an already strong linebacker core in Tampa Bay.
Moving on to the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Jameis Winston looks poised to have a phenomenal sophomore season. After making the Pro Bowl last year, he should come out on Sunday and have a phenomenal game that will set the tone for the rest of his season. Most of the Buccaneers offense is back from 2015, and players like Doug Martin and Mike Evans could have huge games against the Falcons.
Falcons
Looking at the Falcons defense, they feature several rookies starting among their linebacker core. Players like Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell will look to help form a solid Falcons linebacker corps along with returning players Vic Beasley and Paul Worrilow.
When looking at the secondary, the Falcons return one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL with Desmond Trufant, and still feature players like Ricardo Allen and Robert Alford as starters. While they are without first round pick Keanu Neal due to a knee injury, the Falcons defense looks to be much better than they were in 2015.
On offense, franchise quarterback Matt Ryan will be looking to having a bounce back 2016 season, and has his largest variety of weapons since 2012. Of course, Julio Jones should have another phenomenal season, and newcomer Mohamed Sanu will look to make a major impact in his first game as a Falcon. An improved offensive line revolving around center Alex Mack will help give Ryan plenty of time to make his reads and lead the Falcons offense to a phenomenal overall game.
Prediction
In the end, this game is a complete toss up. However, it may very well go in favor of the Buccaneers, mostly due to the fact that they have far fewer injury issues and are far more depth on defense.
The Score: 27-24, Buccaneers
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