Bucs-Falcons Pulse: A capsule preview of this week’s game
The emergence of running back Devonta Freeman and the utilization of a zone-blocking scheme have given the Falcons one of the better rushing attacks in the NFL. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff , Roy Cummings | Tribune StaffPublished: October 31, 2015Here’s a quick look at Sunday’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.**Kickoff: 1 p.m., Georgia Dome, AtlantaTV: Fox (WTVT, Channel 13)Radio: 620 AM; 95.3 FM; 103.5 FMRecords 2-4, Falcons 6-1**THREE KEYS TO VICTORYCROWD THE LINEThe Falcons had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year. This year, they have one of the best. The difference, aside from the emergence of running back Devonta Freeman, is their utilization of a zone-blocking scheme. It allows offensive linemen to work in tandem and double team at least two defensive players. The simplest way for a defense to beat the zone scheme is to crowd the line of scrimmage with more defenders than the line can handle. The downside to that, of course, is it weakens the back seven and opens up lanes for exploitation by the passing game. No matter the risk involved, the Bucs are going to have to take their chances. Unlike in years past, stopping Atlanta’s running game has to be the first priority.MAKE THEM EARN ITBucs defensive backs have had all kinds of problems defending slant patterns this year. They gave up two more touchdowns, including the game winner, off quick slants a week ago at Washington, so look for the Falcons to exploit this weakness. The Bucs have determined that improving their technique is the key to fixing this issue, but there’s more to it than that. While the corners need to do a better job of shading their coverage to the inside and bumping the receivers at the line, the linebackers need to do a better job of reading the play, reacting and delivering a wallop should the catch be made. The bottom line is the Bucs have to make the Falcons fight harder to run those routes and make catches.REDUCE HIDDEN YARDSYes, you’ve read this before, but it bears repeating, especially after the Bucs’ most recent loss. In addition to poor coaching decisions, bad time management and improper technique, penalties were among the greatest contributors to the epic collapse during a 31-30 loss at Washington. Tampa Bay surrendered 142 yards as a result of 16 penalties, it would have been more had some of their personal fouls not been committed inside their 15-yard line. The Bucs just aren’t good enough to survive a game in which they give away that much hidden yardage. Now, not all of the penalties are avoidable. But many are, and those continue to hurt the Bucs the most. Whatever the key is to playing a cleaner game, the Bucs have to find it.**FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ...Bucs LT Donovan SmithQ: How much trash-talking goes on at the NFL level?A: Not much that I’ve seen. I think it’s way more in college. I’m not a talker anyway, and nobody is saying anything to me so far.Q: What’s your favorite Halloween candy?A: It’s got to be either Twix or Jolly Ranchers, maybe a tie.Q: Do you remember any costumes from your trick-or-treating days?A: I was a clown or I was a doctor. That’s it, clowns and doctors.Q: Ever jump out of your seat at a movie theater?A: Not out of my seat, but I’ve been shaken up a little bit at a movie. It had to be something like “Annabelle.’’ The lady went downstairs and it was dark and something jumped out of the ceiling. I wasn’t expecting it. I’m normally looking all around the screen to see what might pop out, but this thing came right out of the ceiling. That was rough.Q: Scariest movie villain?A: To me, I hated Chucky. Chucky terrified me. When I was little, we had movie nights and me and my twin sister weren’t able to watch. I peeked in one time and I saw this little doll. I don’t like Chucky.**KEY MATCHUPBucs RG Ali Marpet vs. Falcons DT Jonathan BabineauxThe Bucs were wrong about Marpet. They thought the Division III Hobart College product might need some time on the sideline before he’d be ready to take on NFL pass rushers and run stuffers. That hasn’t been the case, though. Marpet graded out well in most of his games, but has another big challenge in Babineaux. With five QB hits and eight hurries, Babineaux is off to one of his best starts in years. He’s always been a high-motor guy who plays hard all the way to the whistle, but is coming off the ball faster and quicker this year. He’s also better at staying with bigger, more physical guards. Marpet is strong enough to handle Babineaux, but Babineaux has an edge in experience.**THE VIBEBucs coach Lovie Smith says losses such as last week’s 31-30 setback at Washington leave scars. Apparently, they do. The Bucs lost just as badly, if not worse, the last time they traveled to Atlanta, dropping a 56-14 decision to the Falcons. Tampa Bay RB Doug Martin still hasn’t erased the memory, and he’s probably not alone. And that’s a good thing. A little extra incentive never hurt anybody, and the Bucs could use a little extra juice right now. Their 2015 season is on the verge of becoming yet another in a long line of losing campaigns, and beating the Falcons at the Georgia Dome is never easy. The Bucs might have to play close to a perfect game to win. The desire to exact a little revenge and gain back lost respect can only help their cause.**THE PICKSROY CUMMINGS: Falcons, 32-24Matty Ice is just too hard to beat in Hotlanta.IRA KAUFMAN: Falcons, 30-17Atlanta’s offensive balance proves too much of a challenge.
