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The Atlanta Falcons lost both of their matches to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season on scores of 27-31 and 27-44, so they're hoping to turn the tables this season. The Falcons and Tampa Bay will face off in an NFC South battle at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Coming off of a loss in a game they were expected to win, Atlanta now face the more daunting task of proving themselves against unfavorable odds.
Atlanta has to be hurting after a devastating 32-6 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles last week. One thing holding Atlanta back was the mediocre play of QB Matt Ryan, who did not have his best game: he passed for only 164 yards on 35 attempts.
Tampa Bay decided to play defense against itself last Thursday, but the team still came out ahead despite their 106 penalty yards. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past the Dallas Cowboys 31-29. The Buccaneers got their victory on the backs of several key players, and it was QB Tom Brady out in front passing for four TDs and 379 yards on 50 attempts. Brady ended up with a passer rating of 146.10.
Tampa Bay's win lifted them to 1-0 while Atlanta's loss dropped them down to 0-1. Giving up four turnovers, Tampa Bay had had trouble holding onto the ball. We'll see if the Falcons can exploit that vulnerability.
