Buccaneers: Coaching moves and history hover over Week 2 match

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to extend their franchise record winning streak to 10 games as they host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 of the 2021 NFL Season. This includes the Bucs beating the Falcons in both meetings last season by scores of 31-27 in Atlanta and 44-27 at Raymond James Stadium on their way to winning Super Bowl LV.

Intersecting coaching moves influence where both Tampa Bay and Atlanta are entering Sunday’s contest. Interesting historical facts, by the end of the game, could as well.

Last year, the Bucs faced the Falcons and then-head coach Dan Quinn in Week 15 and 17. This year, barring a playoff match-up, Tampa Bay will complete the season series with their rivals from Georgia in Week 13. So, while a new campaign brings some very familiar things, it also provides interesting new challenges as well.

First and foremost, the Bucs are coming off a close 31-29 Thursday Night win over the Dallas Cowboys in their 2021 debut. Four turnovers by Tampa Bay gave Dallas a chance to steal a game they had no business winning, but great teams find a way to prevail, and the reigning and defending World Champions did just that.

Yet, the result and success offensively by the Bucs to the tune of 431 total yards shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise to Tampa Bay fans. Why? The new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys is old Falcons’ head man Dan Quinn.

The last time Tampa Bay tangled with Atlanta rookie head coach Arthur Smith was in 2019 when he was offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. The visit to Nashville resulted in a close 27-24 loss for the Bucs in Bruce Arians’ first year as head coach with the team. That squad did not have Tom Brady as their starting quarterback, however.

This time, though, it won’t be Mike Vrabel leading the opposition. Smith will be the first year leader in charge and on the road against the Bucs. His maiden voyage last week left a lot to be desired in a 32-6 thrashing in Atlanta by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bruce Arians’ lost to the San Francisco 49ers 31-17 at home in his first game with the Bucs. Then followed up with a 20-14 road win against the Carolina Panthers. Smith will try to copy that blueprint by springing a road upset against an NFC South foe.

The Bucs will attempt to go 2-0 and not repeat stubbing their toes in Week 2 like they did as defending champs in 2003. That squad lost 12-9 in overtime at home against the Carolina Panthers on their way to a disappointing 7-9 season.

There should be plenty of motivation for Tampa Bay to come out and secure a convincing win against after a too close for comfort victory in Week 1. It is the next game on the schedule, against a division rival and it keeps the Bucs on top in the division.

Maybe more importantly this season, though, is not letting bad team history repeat itself. That includes letting a rookie head coach that you have to face twice a season, or any rookie head coach for that matter. get the best of you as World Champions.

Both in Week 2 and Week 13, Bruce Arians and crew need to make sure Arthur Smith’s two games as a rookie NFL Head Coach against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers result in losses for the Atlanta Falcons.

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