Atlanta Falcons set to disrupt Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff aspirations
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a crucial clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15, with hopes of derailing their division rival’s playoff ambitions. “You never want to be in this spot. But really, the job is to go out and play spoiler right now,” said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Acknowledging the respect they have for the Buccaneers, he emphasized the importance of this matchup. “That’s always a highly competitive football game. I expect no different. I love the fact that our guys get to get back on the grass and take another shot at it.”
A season without postseason hopes
With their chances of postseason play evaporating, the Falcons are left to seek solace in the opportunity to inflict damage on a divisional foe. While they won’t be competing for a playoff spot, the prospect of playing spoiler offers an enticing motivation.
Containing Baker Mayfield’s playmaking ability
The Falcons face a significant challenge in containing Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose dual-threat capabilities have made him a formidable opponent. This season, Mayfield has thrown for 2,722 yards, tallying 20 touchdowns against just six interceptions, while also rushing for 285 yards. His knack for extending plays, particularly against strong defensive fronts, poses a threat that the Falcons must address. “The quarterback is Houdini,” noted defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. “You watch him against some of the best defensive lines in this league, and he finds a way to escape and make plays when it seems impossible.”
On a positive note for Atlanta, their pass rush has been in fine form lately, recording 27 sacks over their last six games. The defense has also shown the ability to generate pressure without relying heavily on blitzes, which will be crucial against a skillful quarterback like Mayfield.
A formidable receiving corps to challenge the secondary
The Buccaneers possess one of the deepest wide receiver groups in the NFL, highlighted by the return of Mike Evans and the emerging talents of Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan. This presents a daunting task for a Falcons secondary that has struggled in recent weeks. “The receiver corps is a very unique situation because they have a ton of talent,” Ulbrich remarked, acknowledging the challenges ahead. With Evans back in the lineup, and Godwin finding his rhythm, the Falcons will need to step up defensively to mitigate the impact of this potent receiving threat.
Darnell Mooney’s opportunity to shine
On the offensive side, the Falcons’ wide receiver group has faced its share of challenges, particularly with the injury absence of Drake London. Darnell Mooney, in particular, has not yet stepped into the role expected of him. With 22 receptions for 329 yards and just one touchdown this season, Mooney has struggled to make a significant impact. The pressure will be on him to elevate his performance, especially with the Buccaneers’ Jamel Dean, who boasts an impressive streak of 839 consecutive coverage snaps without allowing a touchdown, looming on the field.
Establishing a ground game
For the Falcons to secure a victory, establishing a strong running game will be essential. In their previous matchup against the Buccaneers, Atlanta managed a meager 69 rushing yards. This time around, the offensive line must find a way to create space, as they have struggled to generate significant yardage before contact. Currently, their average of just 0.8 yards before contact per carry ranks among the lowest in the league. Conversely, the Buccaneers’ defense is known for its stout run-stopping ability, allowing only 3.4 yards per carry. If the Falcons can emulate the success the New Orleans Saints had in their recent matchup, where they rushed for 139 yards, it could significantly improve their chances.
Handling the Tampa Bay blitz
The Buccaneers have developed a reputation for their aggressive blitzing, employing extra rushers on 34.1% of their defensive plays—ranking fifth in the NFL. This strategy has resulted in pressure on over half of their blitzes, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Morris emphasized the need for sound answers to Tampa Bay’s blitz schemes, noting the importance of quick throws and effective protection.
Kirk Cousins aiming for redemption
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has had a mixed bag of performances this season, but he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly against the Buccaneers. In a standout game earlier this season, he threw for 509 yards and four touchdowns, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. With another opportunity to shine against Tampa Bay, Cousins could help the Falcons play spoiler and end the season on a high note.
As the Falcons prepare to face the Buccaneers, the stakes are clear. With playoff hopes for their rivals on the line, the Falcons aim to seize the moment and deliver a performance that could reverberate through the rest of the season.
