With the Buccaneers (4-9) officially eliminated from playoff contention, they will limp to the finish line of the 2017 season. That starts on Monday Night Football, when they host the Falcons (8-5). Here, we break down five players that can change the outcome of the game.
Things will get wild on Monday night when the Buccaneers host the Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. The Monday Night Football crew is in town, which means former Buccaneer head coach Jon Gruden is returning. “Chucky” is also getting inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor at halftime. This normally wouldn’t be a crazy thing, but these days, rumors are swirling about Gruden wanting to make a return to coaching in Tampa Bay. That, in addition to the uncertainty about Dirk Koetter’s future, will make this Monday night very interesting.
With that off-field storyline catching so much attention, it’s easy to forget that there is a game to be played. Perhaps it’s best for Bucs fans to forget about the game, but regardless, the game will go on. Tampa Bay can only play spoiler at this point, while Atlanta continues to challenge for the division crown and, at worst, a playoff spot. These two teams met less than a month ago, with the Falcons emerging victorious by a score of 34-20.
Which five players will have the most impact on the game’s final score this time around?