Buccaneers at Falcons: Five Game-Changing Players

Julio Jones

The biggest weapon that the Falcons possess is wide receiver Julio Jones, one of the top receivers in the NFL.  The Bucs likely won’t stop him, so they will have to hope that they can contain the three-time Pro Bowler.  He had big games against Tampa Bay last year, but the defense contained him just enough to get two wins.  In the first matchup last year, Jones caught 12 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.  Against the Bucs later in the year, he caught eight for 93 yards and no scores.

Sunday will be the regular season debut of the Bucs’ new-look secondary that features Brent Grimes, Alterraun Verner and Vernon Hargreaves.  They won’t be met with an easy task.  If Jones gets on the same page with Matt Ryan early, it could be trouble.  But if Tampa Bay gets some pressure on Ryan, it might force some bad decisions and throws, which would slow down Jones.

Atlanta lost eight games a year ago. Jones caught a total of one touchdown in those eight, meaning the other seven of his touchdown catches came in wins.  Obviously, if the Bucs can keep him out of the end zone, their chances of leaving with a win are much higher.  That puts a lot of pressure on the red zone defense, but even keeping him under two scores is sufficient.  Jones has eight multi-touchdown games in his career and in those eight games, Atlanta is 8-0.

Next: Gerald McCoy