As we head into Week 8, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons are set to square off in a pivotal NFC South matchup. These two teams faced off earlier in the season, with the Falcons pulling out a thrilling 36-30 overtime win. However, much has changed for both teams since then. The Buccaneers enter this contest banged up and desperate for a win, while the Falcons look to rebound from a tough loss against the Seattle Seahawks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Injury Woes and Offensive Adjustments
The Buccaneers are coming off an ugly loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but perhaps the bigger blow was losing their two star wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, to injuries. Evans will be out with a hamstring injury, while Godwin is sidelined for the remainder of the season after dislocating his ankle in the Ravens game. Without their top two receiving threats, Tampa Bay will have to rely heavily on their run game and tight ends.
Baker Mayfield, despite throwing two costly interceptions last week, has proven capable of managing games. However, without Evans and Godwin, he’ll need to be more conservative and lean on the running backs. Expect a heavy dose of Sean Tucker, Rachaad White, and Bucky Irving, both in the ground game and as pass-catching options. Tight end Cade Otton also stepped up last week, with eight catches for 100 yards, and he will need to be a key factor again.
Tampa Bay’s offensive line must create space for the run game and protect Mayfield, allowing him to spread the ball to other receivers like Trey Palmer, Sterling Shepard, and Jalen Tolbert. Shepard, a veteran with a connection to Mayfield from their college days, could provide some stability, but the Buccaneers’ offense will face a tough task in trying to move the ball consistently without their top two weapons.
Defensively, Tampa Bay’s strength has been their ability to stop the run, but they struggled against Derrick Henry last week. This week, they’ll face the Falcons’ potent rushing attack led by Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson. The key will be whether Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, and linebacker Lavonte David can control the line of scrimmage and force Atlanta into passing situations. Additionally, Yaya Diaby needs to step up as a pass rusher to help create pressure on Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Related: NFL Power Rankings: Week 8
Atlanta Falcons: Establishing the Run and Finding Balance
The Falcons have enjoyed a relatively strong season so far, but they’re coming off a disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Their game plan for success is clear: establish the run early and often. Bijan Robinson is a dynamic playmaker who had 103 yards and a touchdown last week, and the Falcons will need to feature him and Tyler Allgeier to keep Tampa Bay’s defense on its heels. Kirk Cousins had a subpar outing last week, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked three times. While the Bucs’ defense may struggle against the run, they love to blitz, and Cousins must be prepared for pressure. The Falcons’ offensive line will need to hold up better than they did against the Seahawks, and using an extra tight end for protection might allow Cousins the time he needs to hit his top targets.
Drake London has emerged as a top receiving threat for Atlanta, but Kyle Pitts had a breakout performance last week, leading the team in receiving. The Falcons need to get Pitts more involved, particularly in one-on-one matchups against Tampa Bay’s linebackers. Darnell Mooney is another weapon who can stretch the field, and if Cousins gets enough protection, he has the potential to pick apart the Buccaneers’ secondary.
On defense, Atlanta’s biggest challenge will be putting pressure on Mayfield. The Falcons have struggled to generate a consistent pass rush this season, and that needs to change. Matthew Judon, Grady Jarrett, and David Onyemata must step up and disrupt Mayfield’s timing. With the Bucs’ receiving corps weakened, the Falcons’ secondary, led by AJ Terrell and safeties Justin Simmons and Jesse Bates, will have opportunities to clamp down on Tampa Bay’s pass catchers. Using Bates as an in-box safety to help against the run could also be key in shutting down Tampa Bay’s ground attack.
Prediction: Falcons 31, Buccaneers 21
The Buccaneers are dealing with significant injuries to key offensive players, and while their run game could help keep them in the contest, it’s hard to envision them keeping pace with the Falcons. Atlanta’s balanced offense, powered by Robinson and Allgeier, should wear down Tampa Bay’s defense, while Cousins will look to rebound from last week’s performance.
Ultimately, the Falcons have too much firepower for a depleted Bucs team, and Atlanta’s defense should be able to apply enough pressure to force Mayfield into mistakes. Look for the Falcons to come away with a 31-21 victory as they continue their pursuit of the NFC South crown.
