The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to extend their franchise-record nine-game winning streak in Week 2, when they host the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Here are the top matchups to watch in this NFC South showdown:
Bucs’ Front Seven vs. Falcons’ Offensive Line
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The Falcons struggled mightily to control the line of scrimmage in their Week 1 blowout loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Things won’t get any easier for them on the road against the defending champs Sunday, when they’ll face arguably the most dynamic, athletic defensive front and linebacker group in the entire NFL.
Even the best ground attacks in the league tend to avoid even trying to run the ball on the Bucs, but trying to protect Matt Ryan against the Bucs’ ridiculous pass rush won’t be much fun, either.
Falcons TE Kyle Pitts vs. Bucs’ Secondary
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The stud matchup of Calvin Ridley against Carlton Davis III will be worth watching, too, but the more intriguing situation will be this year’s No. 4 overall pick against a Tampa Bay defensive backfield that’s missing their No. 2 corner.
Sean Murphy-Bunting is out indefinitely after suffering a dislocated elbow in Week 1, which won’t help the Bucs’ efforts to shut down a rare talent in Pitts. There’s plenty of athleticism and versatility on the back end for Tampa Bay, but it will be challenged by Pitts’ impressive skill set.
Bucs QB Tom Brady vs. Falcons DC Dean Pees
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“I’ve known Dean a long time,” Brady told the media Thursday. “[He] really challenges the quarterback. [His teams are] very sound defensively. I don’t think there are a lot of easy plays out there. He makes you earn everything.”
Clearly, Brady isn’t expecting the cake walk some might see on paper, and that’s due in large part to his respect for what Pees will throw at him schematically. Brady knows there are no easy wins in the NFL, and it doesn’t sound like he’s taking this week’s assignment lightly against an experienced defensive play-caller.
