On this episode of the Real Bucs Talk Podcast, week 1 of the NFL Season is finally here!!! We are live to preview the Buccaneers vs Falcons matchup, discuss roster, depth chart and look at key matchups and much more.
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Week one of the NFL season has finally arrived. This Sunday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take the field after what seemed like an eternity of waiting. Their first game will be a good one as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons.
This divisional matchup could have eventual playoff implications. There are the teams with the two best odds to win the NFC South. Both are expected to be good teams with explosive offenses.
The Bucs know too well how good this Falcons team can be. This Atlanta team swept the Buccaneers last year, although the Bucs still won the division. What will make this year different? Here are my week one Skeleton Keys to victory.
Here’s To You, Mr. Robinson
The name of the game is very simple for the Bucs defense. Slow down star running back Bijan Robinson by any means necessary. After rushing for over 1400 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, Robinson should be the first, second and third priority.
This will be an early test for the Bucs linebackers. Lavonte David needs to look like he has throughout his career; which is something we can’t take for granted as he enters his age 35 season. SirVocea Dennis has looked the part of an up and coming NFL linebacker, but now he needs to prove he can be counted on in this starting role. Showing these two are up for this task will set the tone for the 2025 defense.
The defensive line is more of a sure thing. With Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey in the middle, the Bucs have what I believe is the best defensive tackle duo in the NFL. They should more than hold their own against a Falcons offensive line that is very good, but has a few questions to it. This is strength on strength and I like the Bucs here.
After that, look for secondary help. Antoine Winfield Jr or Tykee Smith creeping down into the box. Jacob Parrish attacking from the nickel spot. Every layer of the defense has to be involved in stopping the Falcons running game.
Punish Penix
Michael Penix got a few starts toward the end of last season, which was a good test run for the rookie. Now, in year two, he takes over as the full time starter. And while three games of experience is better than none, this is a very inexperienced quarterback.
Todd Bowles should have a field day in terms of dialing up blitzes and confusing Penix. The different twists and stunts he can set up should make things uncomfortable for the young quarterback. There is no reason that this shouldn’t be his “welcome to the NFL” moment.
Even if this doesn’t result in sacks, making Penix feel the heat is very important. Despite having good athletic ability to run, this is really more of a traditional pocket passer. Moving him off his spot or throwing off his timing should have a big effect on his caliber of play.
Take What’s There
We all know how good this Buccaneers offense is. A great offensive line and a deep stable of running backs made this a great rushing offense last year. As good as that was, the passing game is deeper in terms of weapons and even more effective.
The Falcons allowed the 2nd most passing touchdowns in the NFL last year and allowed the 11th highest mark in yards per carry. Of course, Atlanta made additions to the defense in the offseason, but many of those will be rookies in their first NFL game. In theory, they should be a team the Bucs can move the ball well against.
This will be a good chance for new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard to find a groove. The offense doesn’t have to do anything special; just take what’s there and steadily move the ball up and down the field. If they take away the short stuff, throw it deep. If they drop eight into coverage, run it down their throats. There’s no reason the Bucs shouldn’t put up points in this game.
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