Kurt Warner predicts the Falcons will score 39 or more points today against us. I'm not sure I disagree.
McClure: First and foremost, you have to look at what has happened along the offensive line. The Falcons lost left tackle Sam Baker to a season-ending injury in the preseason, tackle Lamar Holmes to a season-ending foot injury and starting centers Joe Hawley and Peter Konz to season-ending ACL injuries. So Ryan is playing behind a patchwork offensive line. Ryan has seen a number of his receivers, including top target Julio Jones, drop catchable passes. But Ryan has made his share of poor throws, including arguably the worst interception of his career, a momentum-changing play against the Lions. After the way he sliced up New Orleans in the season opener, Ryan looked well on his way to a Pro Bowl-type season. But he got humbled along the way, particularly on the road. And Ryan hasn't been able to throw consistently down the field. Remember, Ryan did find Jones for a long touchdown in the first game between these teams. Will the Bucs' defense be able to put the clamps on Jones, Roddy White and Devin Hester or are there too many defensive holes? Yasinskas: Tampa Bay's defense ranks No. 31 overall, which is shocking and disappointing when you're talking about a team coached by Lovie Smith. The Falcons certainly have enough talent and speed to cause problems in the passing game. The Tampa 2 defense has taken a lot of criticism with people saying it's outdated. But Smith believes in the scheme and refuses to change.
