Buccaneers keys to victory against the Falcons in Week 15

Three games are left in the Buccaneers’ 2017 season, and all three come against divisional rivals, beginning with this Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

If all the noise surrounding Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter wasn’t loud enough, tonight is the night Super Bowl winning head coach Jon Gruden gets inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.

There will already be some fans chanting for the return of Tampa’s former coach at the end of this season. A loss to Atlanta – on primetime – will only amplify them.

So, how can the Bucs get a win for themselves and their coach? Let’s look at three keys to this game. Starting with:

3. Time of Possession

It goes without saying, the team which controls the ball, controls the game. Well, usually anyway.

Jameis Winston and his offense have struggled with three-and-outs and third down conversions this season. These lead to opposing offenses being on the field way too long, and way too often. Any defense will tire quickly under these circumstances.

However, the Bucs’ defense is banged up. Injuries aren’t an excuse, got it. Bottom line is, Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David will both miss this game.

Vernon Hargreaves is still out. Josh Robinson is possibly coming back, but isn’t 100%. T.J. Ward is coming back from concussion protocol, and wasn’t playing all that well before he missed the time he has.

The pass rush has been non-existent, and likely won’t improve without McCoy. Outside of Brent Grimes, there really isn’t a consistent defensive player to rely on. Even Kwon Alexander has been spotty in his performances.

The Buccaneers need to hold on to the ball. Even seven-minute field goal drives will have value, if it can keep the Falcons’ offense from getting in a groove.