Written by Erik Slaby
Atlanta, GA – Heading into the 2018 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons were picked by many analysts and prognosticators to make it into the NFL playoffs and go on a deep run. Some had even picked Atlanta to make the Super Bowl. Five weeks into the season, however, the season has not gone the way most had thought it would for the Falcons. Atlanta has a 1-4 record heading into an NFC South division matchup against the 2-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In three of Atlanta’s four losses, they have been one possession games that have gone down to the wire with Atlanta coming up short. Against both the Saints and the Bengals, the Falcons’ defense allowed the offenses to drive down the field with ease and score the game-winning points. In the last two seasons, Atlanta has had one of the better defenses in the NFL but this season they have struggled to get off the field and prevent teams from scoring. Perhaps the biggest reason for this though is because of key injuries they’ve had on the defensive side of the ball.
The Falcons have lost three defensive starters so far this season in Pro Bowl safety Keanu Neal, Pro Bowl middle linebacker Deion Jones and safety Ricardo Allen. Jones is one of the best linebackers in coverage in the league and Neal and Allen are key, integral parts of the secondary. Starting defensive tackle Grady Jarrett also missed last week’s game with an ankle injury. Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel spoke about the injuries and how they shouldn’t be an excuse for the defensive struggles.
“We will never make excuses,” said Manuel. “We are professionals. We’re asking the guys to dominate their gap and their job. I think any man that puts on a helmet should be able to do that, what we’re asking them to do. With the ability that you have, if you give us the maximum, we know that’s just enough.”
Because of these key injuries, the Falcons have struggled to stop opposing teams’ passing attacks. Even if they do not want to make any excuses. Last week on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 41-17 loss, Atlanta had no answer for the Pittsburgh offense as they allowed them to score 35 points. It will not get any easier this week against a high-powered Buccaneers team.
The Buccaneers are coming off their bye week but previously, they lost in a blowout to the Chicago Bears, 48-10. In that contest, Ryan Fitzpatrick started the game at quarterback but Jameis Winston replaced him in the game. Against the Falcons, Winston will start for the first time this season. Though Tampa struggles defensively, they have a plethora of talented offensive weapons across their team that will be sure to give Atlanta’s defense fits. Wide receivers Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin will present tough challenges for the Falcons, along with tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard.
While Atlanta’s defense has struggled, the offense has also struggled at times, especially last week. While the Falcons are capable of scoring at a high rate, they often struggle in the red zone and running the ball. It will not get any easier for them to run the ball as they will be missing Pro Bowl starting running back Devonta Freeman with a foot injury. Freeman has been dealing with injuries all season, having only played in two games. Backup running back Tevin Coleman will lead the way for the Falcons rushing attack. Falcons head coach Dan Quinn spoke about the importance of the rushing attack in the offense.
“That’s part of our identity on offense,” said Quinn. “We’ve got to make sure the run game and the play-action pass go hand in hand. That is always at the top of our thinking. When we do that, we’re at our best.”
Given how both defenses have played so far this season, this game will likely be an offensive battle. Both teams have exciting offenses and Atlanta has had struggles in the red zone, they will need to be prepared to match Tampa score for score. The Falcons and Buccaneers kickoff at 1PM EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
