At 1-3, Atlanta is dead last in the NFC South. How about that? The Falcons have never really been a defensive nightmare, despite having their moments. Odd, considering the Falcons’ HC Dan Quinn was one of the creators of the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom.
The Falcons have a defense that has become the Legion of Poo lately. I know that’s the pot calling the kettle black, but hey, it’s a division rivalry, so who cares? If we want an honest look at the two defenses, the Falcons are ranked seven spots higher than the Buccaneers, ranked 31st in total defense. The Falcons are 7 spots higher in the NFL rankings in the 25th spot for passing defense. Tampa is again at the bottom in that category. However, the Buccaneers are ranked 6th in the NFL in run defense and the Falcons are ranked 26th, so there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
Believe it or not, the Buccaneers are still ranked 1st in passing offense and 3rd in total offense. The problem is that we are ranked 30th in rushing offense. The Falcons rank 21st in rushing offense, 7th in total offense, and 6th in passing offense, meaning Matt Ryan and the guys are likely to throw bombs all over our depleted secondary unless some prominent changes are made during the bye week.
In order for Tampa to exploit the Falcons’ defense, they must first establish the running game, and that has been no easy task for the pewter crew. But I believe, as do many others, that the return of Jameis Winston could spark life in the offense and even in the running department. Peyton Barber earned the starting role during the offseason, and many fans believe that he has been a failure. Barber attempted 50 rushes through 4 games and has 148 yards to show for it. That is good for a 3.0 per carry average. I wouldn’t exactly call him a failure. I think the cause of the low number is due to the 1,501 yards put up through the air. The Buccaneers have attempted 149 total passes in 4 games and only 91 rushing attempts between 7 different runners. For me, that’s a problem. The Bucs seem to give up on the run game too easily and far too early, mainly due to our defense giving up points and the Bucs having to play from behind. Let’s also note that our run blocking isn’t all that great. Barber is doing well for the situation he is in.
So if you want to exploit the Falcons’ secondary, the offensive line must hold the defenders at bay and give the QB time to locate targets downfield. Of course, he has to hit his targets. Secondly, establish the run game early. God willing, if the defense does their part the Bucs won’t have to abandon the running game and play from behind. Establishing the running game will be one of the main keys to winning this football game.
