It’s been a challenging week for all Bucs fans. Beyond the disappointing loss, the injuries to Evans for several weeks and Godwin for the entire season feel particularly disheartening. However, this week presents an opportunity to heal some wounds if we can find a way to defeat our rivals, the Falcons.
Bucs Defense
The Bucs defense is likely to be the key factor in determining the outcome of this game. Unfortunately, the defense has struggled throughout the season, particularly in recent weeks. They've allowed multiple quarterbacks to achieve their best performance of the year against us, and it seems they can only generate pressure through blitzes. Opposing teams are well aware of this vulnerability. Our defense has been consistently exploited over the middle, a weakness that has persisted for several years. Bowles, a defensive coach, must find a way to contain opposing passing games; otherwise, we may be in serious trouble. He may need to implement more man-to-man coverage, as Cousins can dissect zone defenses, especially if we can’t apply pressure. However, we lack the linebackers to effectively match up with Kyle Pitts or Bijan Robinson. If we opt for dime personnel to counter the passing game, it could weaken our run defense against Robinson and Allgeier. Bowles is in a tough spot, but this is why he’s here—to coach up the defense. If he can’t improve the situation, his future may be in jeopardy.
Falcons Offense
Offensive coordinators have been figuring out Bowles’ defensive schemes for some time, particularly the more skilled ones. Zac Robinson, coming from the McVay coaching tree, is one such coordinator. Bowles has historically struggled to contain offenses from this lineage. While Cousins has been average this year, he has posted impressive stats against the Bucs. If the Falcons can protect Cousins and allow him to throw on early downs, they should be able to move the ball effectively. The game will likely hinge on red zone efficiency.
Bucs Offense
I’m hopeful that we can establish a running game early, but the Falcons will anticipate this, and it hasn’t been one of our strong suits this season. Coen has done an excellent job of setting up the run with the pass, and I expect him to throw early again. If the offense can replicate their success from the last three games and secure touchdowns on their first drives, that would be ideal. Coen needs to remain true to his style and put points on the board. Unfortunately, we may need to outscore the Falcons, though hopefully not to the same extent as last time. A strong running game in the second half would be beneficial.
Falcons Defense
The Falcons lack a formidable pass defense, and their pass rush is even less impressive. They will likely focus on stopping the Bucs' early down play-action passes. However, their run defense is solid, anchored by a strong defensive line. If the Falcons can effectively limit the Bucs' passing game early on, they may secure an early lead and play to their strengths.
Prediction: Unfortunately, I foresee the Falcons winning 31-21 over the Bucs.
Bucs win if their young WR step up.
If they can move the ball and put up 27 points, the Bucs will win the game
but if they struggle to move the ball, could see Bucs putting up like 13 and losing - the home game against Atlanta last year
@badabingbucs - totally agree. That’s how a lot of our games could have looked this year if we didn’t have an offense that scores 30 a game.
Simmons doubtful would be a big loss for them
What thinkbthe season is bagged? We’ve overcome so much & were 4-2…
I’d prefer having Mike & Chris, I think we would have beaten this team soundly, so it’s going to be a lot tougher now, but Im looking forward to this Sunday to see if we can put something together between the young WR’s & our 3 headed monster behind a better o- line than we had last time we faced them.
Thats my take until proven otherwise.
Our fans make way too much about 3-headed monster at running back. There’s only one on the field at a time, and sometimes two with the pony package.
Im excited to see what we can do tomorrow. Taking both my sons.
We are currently 4 and 3. Tomorrow isn’t a must win but it’s huge. I’m hoping to see our defense figure something out, but I’m not greatly confident Bowles will. The season is going to come down to Coen making magic.
The season is going to come down to Coen making magic.
agree, at least in part.
I think another key issue is whether Bowles can get more from his defense. For example, the Falcons already showed they have the game plan to beat us with over the middle quick passing and YAC, so how does Bowles counter? And, how does he counter with such limited options, especially this game with, for example, Tykee Smith out and Dean out?
@bucsbits - agreed. I just don’t see Bowles having any answers. But he’s got enough experience to surprise us all. We can’t blame injuries on our lack of defense. Dean is our only defensive starter out for this game. I still don’t know what Bowles and Licht were thinking during the offseason.
We don’t turn the ball over and the defense comes to play….and we are wt 1:10 at the game is over lol
The Bucs defense is likely to be the key factor in determining the outcome of this game
good call
although the defense got stops in the second half and the offense faltered a bit.
tough game
