Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Predictions and Analysis

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) celebrates after he ran the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Your Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to be live tonight in primetime, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

An injury-depleted defensive line, inconsistency at quarterback, and a whirlwind of emotions have been the story of the Bucs’ 2014 season. It was one that began with so much hope, but through two games and two losses, hope is fading fast as fans have noticed that the product on the field has been nowhere near their expectations.

So now, on a short week of practice with the team already at 0-2 on the year, Tampa Bay travels into Atlanta to take on the division-rival Falcons. Atlanta is 1-1 on the year, coming back and defeating the New Orleans Saints in their season opener, but laying an egg and falling on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10. Their offense is led by Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, and the rest of their dangerous passing game. Their weaknesses are on their offensive line, and their backfield, as they do not have a consistent running game to speak of.

Speaking of weaknesses, that’s all we’ll find when looking at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They find their leader Gerald McCoy as a gametime decision tonight with a broken hand, and defensive end Michael Johnson listed as questionable for the night. Both would help ensure that Matt Ryan can’t get too comfortable in the pocket with that weak offensive line in front of him. However, if neither can go, than Clinton McDonald and William Gholston will have to step up big time. McDonald did a great job of that last week, splitting double teams and still finding ways to get tackles in the backfield. We’ll need to see that production continue.

The Buccaneers’ pass defense has looked weak so far this year, getting torn apart by two backup quarterbacks. This week, they’ll have to get back on track, especially if that defensive line cannot get penetration. The downside to that is the Bucs will have to blitz and play man coverage more often, which contradicts their current roster and everything they have been learning up to this point.

On offense, the Buccaneers need to find a rhythm. That all starts with the running game, and Doug Martin is questionable with his lingering knee injury. If he can’t go, most fans aren’t worried, because Bobby Rainey has been playing like a stud. The small back can hid behind is offensive linemen and hit the hole quickly as soon as he finds it. He has outplayed Doug Martin even when healthy so far, so he will be a huge key to the Buccaneers’ success.

I’ve somehow gone through this entire preview without mentioning him by name, but this game is make or break for Josh McCown. While I believe Lovie Smith has given him a long leash, I don’t believe that it is deserved. For two weeks, we have seen McCown make rookie mistakes while making the occasional solid throw. It’s not the type of performance we have expected from a veteran who signed a 2-year, $10 million contract in the offseason. You don’t have to break down the tape like Mike Mayock to know that Mike Glennon can perform better than this, and I’m sure Lovie Smith is starting to feel the heat in that respect.

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PREDICTION

Make no mistake about it: the Buccaneers are completely outmatched in this game.

While the Atlanta Falcons don’t have a great defense, the Bucs don’t have the competent offense they need to take advantage of that. Confidence in the locker room is at its lowest point since Lovie Smith became head coach, and our defense can’t hang with Julio Jones and company if they can’t get pressure on Matt Ryan.

While the Buccaneers usually play Matt Ryan tough, I don’t think tonight is one of those nights.

Final Score: Falcons 30, Buccaneers 17.