The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a decisive division game victory over the Carolina Panthers, and they’ll play another division rival in Week 8 when the Atlanta Falcons come to town.
If the Bucs can pull off another victory, it can completely change the outlook of the season and put the Buccaneers back into contention to win the NFC South.
It’s the most important game of the season to date, and if the Buccaneers are going to take down the Falcons, they’ll need to win some key matchups.
4 matchups that will determine Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons in Week 8
Zyon McCollum (and Jacob Parrish) vs. Drake London
Drake London is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He’s currently fourth in receiving yards, averaging 88 yards per game. His 16.2 yards per reception average is a career-high and ranks third in the NFL among all pass-catchers with at least 30 receptions.
He’s a dynamic playmaker and a dangerous threat down the field and in the red zone. The Bucs cornerbacks have both been playing at an All-Pro level this season, and they'll need to bring their “A” game once again to prevent London from generating explosive plays and taking over this game. If they shut him down, things could get difficult for the Falcons’ passing game.
Buccaneers’ Rushing Attack vs. Falcons’ Run Defense
The Buccaneers’ offensive identity is crystal-clear. They’re at their best when they can run the ball effectively to wear down opposing defenses and dominate the time of possession. In Tampa Bay’s two wins this year, they’ve rushed for over 240 yards in each contest.
But the Falcons’ aren’t the pushover in the run game that the Panthers were last week, or the Cowboys were in Week 5. Atlanta enters Week 8 ranked fourth in rushing defense, allowing only 88 yards per game. If the Falcons are able to shut down the Bucs’ running game, it could be a long day for Tampa Bay.
It all starts with the blockers up front. The offensive line and tight ends need to win the battle in the trenches and prove they can be the more physical team against a hard-nosed Atlanta defense.
Buccaneers’ Run Defense vs. Falcons’ Rushing Attack
Just like the Buccaneers are at their best when they execute a smash-mouth, run-heavy offense, the Falcons play with a similar identity. And they do it as good as anyone in the NFL.
Bijan Robinson averages 100 rushing yards per game, and his 5.4 yards per carry ranks fifth among running backs. As a team, the Falcons are averaging 140 rushing yards per game, good for sixth in the NFL.
Tampa Bay has consistently had an elite rush defense under Todd Bowles, and this season is no different. The Buccaneers rank second against the run, allowing just 77 yards per game on the ground.
It'll be an unstoppable force vs. immovable object situation going on, but if the Buccaneers can contain the Falcons' running game, their chances to win will increase exponentially.
Buccaneers' Defense vs. Kyle Pitts
Whatever it takes, the Buccaneers need to figure out how to contain Kyle Pitts. He’s had some of the best games of his career in Tampa Bay.
Last year, he caught 11 passes for 156 yards and a whopping three touchdowns as the Falcons took down the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium.
It was an excusable performance by the defense, and Todd Bowles can’t let that happen to his unit again. The Buccaneers are much better defensively this season than they were a year ago, but we’ll find out just how good they really are against Pitts and a Falcons offense that has had their number in recent meetings.
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