Agree, and while our defense was awful against the Ravens, the Falcons pose a different/recently experienced set of problems. We don’t have to chase Kirk around, but we do have to make him move around more.However, Shep may have enough in the tank to hold down Mike’s position (no one can do Mike, except Mike) until he returns.
While he doesn’t yet have the build for for it, we know JMac was thought to be a better candidate doing Chris’ underneath stuff.
We know opponents are just going to stack the box and make Baker throw to receivers that don’t have any reputation for scaring any defenses. Maybe they’ll surprise? I think this week is the best chance for that to happen. Of course, the defense is still going to have to show up and force some field goals.
KC and San Fran are irrelevant at this point.
Just need to win this next one.
I think the team will play inspired football (and for Godwin and Mike). Come in with a chip on their shoulders. Wanting to prove that they are more than just 2 players.
I hope Coen comes out and passes on the first play of the game and sets an aggressive tone. Air it out early and then pound the shit out of them with Tuck/White/Buck.
To that point, we have Calijah Cancey & AWJ this time (and Funderburk has been playing above expectations). So it would shock me if we didn’t respond better.
If the Falcons do stack the box, and as you mention, it’s not like we don’t still have offensive weapons (White/Buck/Tuck are good in passing sets, Otton, and yes, I’ll include JMac & Sheppard to that mix), and Coen’s creativity has been a welcome improvement.
And what you said about playing for Mike & Chris, shouldn’t be underestimated.
These things could be an be enough, we just need to get this win.
I think Bowles will come in pissed-off and aggressive. Like I said, Cancey & AWJ mean he has a couple more reliable tools than last time…as well as knowing how we let that last game get away from us."Of course, the defense is still going to have to show up and force some field goals."
The concern I have is that Cousins & Co. sliced and diced the Bucs defense for a franchise record a few weeks ago in Atlanta. The Falcons will get more possessions due to a shorthanded Bucs offense. I have a low degree of confidence in the Bucs pulling out a win. Hope they do, but it's not looking good.
Same. I’m not even concerned with the offense because it won’t matter if the defense shits the bed again. Falcons exposed them in the middle of the field. Why would they deviate from that? Especially knowing that hard head Bowles is gonna trot KJ Britt out there again. I think it’s wishful thinking to think we could win, but if we’re still unable to generate consistent pressure/sacks we will get CARVED up.
It’s also why I think the offense WILL matter. I think Coen will also be more aggressive - as DH said - come out swinging in the pass game, dare them to stack the box and hit them with some chunk plays to Otton & JMac… I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond to being punched in the mouth Monday night.
If we’re kittens, playing not-to-lose, we’ll lose. If we come out like fighters, we have a chance.
I think that’s JUST how Baker will come out - he’ll be playing with an even bigger chip on his shoulder - he’s had extremely accurate games this season. THAT is how he will HAVE to play. No more loss-of-focus crap in the 2nd quarter. All gas, no breaks, make them prove you can’t do it.
We may be back to the days where the Bucs defend by running the ball on offense. Win the time of possession.
@bucsbits - falcons pass defense isnt good. Coen’s offense is throw to open up the run. Expect lots of quick short passes on early downs Sunday. Depending on how game is going, we may be able to settle in rushing. But Coen needs to be Coen.
