Week 7 Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Bucs: Predictions and Expectations

The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face off in a potentially one-sided game. The Buccaneers have the advantage and need to tackle well to secure a victory. Desmond Ridder may struggle against Tampa's defense.

This Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a divisional rivalry game. This matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to gain an advantage in the highly competitive NFC South. On paper, these teams appear to be evenly matched, as they both have three wins on the season and are coming off of recent losses. However, there are several factors that could heavily influence the outcome of this game. Let's explore some of these factors in more detail.

Firstly, it is worth considering the potential for a blowout in this game. While both the Falcons and the Buccaneers have the same number of wins, the quality of their opponents differs significantly. The Buccaneers have only lost to two highly regarded NFC contenders, whereas the Falcons recently suffered a 24-16 loss to the Washington Commanders, a team with three losses this season. The difference in the caliber of opponents faced by these teams adds perspective to their respective records. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that the Buccaneers, being the stronger team, have a higher chance of winning this game convincingly. A significant victory in this divisional matchup could propel the Buccaneers towards a successful playoff push.

Another key aspect to consider is the performance of the quarterbacks. Both the Buccaneers and the Falcons had to evaluate their quarterback options during the offseason. However, the Falcons have stuck with their 2022 third-round pick, Desmond Ridder, while the Buccaneers have made significant improvements at the position. Ridder has shown some promise this season but has mostly performed at the level expected of a third-round pick. With six touchdowns and six interceptions, Ridder's passing statistics have been average at best. In comparison, the Buccaneers' defense has been successful in containing opposing quarterbacks, with standout performances against the likes of Derek Carr, Kirk Cousins, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields. Given the Buccaneers' defensive prowess and Ridder's inconsistent play, it is likely that Ridder will struggle in this game.

Additionally, the Buccaneers will need to focus on their tackling, as the Falcons have the potential to exploit their run defense. While the Buccaneers performed well against the run last week, their pass defense suffered as a result. The Falcons, under the guidance of coach Arthur Smith, prioritize the running game and have a balanced offensive approach. They rank seventh in rush attempts per game and are in the top 10 for rushing yards per game. However, their average of 4.0 yards per rush is not particularly impressive, ranking 18th in the league. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers must be prepared for a high volume of rushing attempts from the Falcons and be ready to make crucial tackles. Missed tackles could significantly impact the outcome of the game, as they can turn short gains into substantial yardage. Therefore, the linebackers and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will play a crucial role in containing the Falcons' running backs.

In conclusion, this divisional matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents an intriguing contest with several factors that could influence the outcome. While the teams have similar records, the Buccaneers have faced tougher opponents, making them the stronger team on paper. Desmond Ridder's inconsistent performance and the Buccaneers' strong defense suggest that Ridder may struggle in this game. Additionally, the Buccaneers must be prepared to tackle effectively and contain the Falcons' rushing attack. These factors, along with others, will ultimately determine the result of this game. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with our analysis? What other factors do you think will come into play in this matchup against the Falcons?