Mission: Atlanta Falcons

The Bucs will have a second straight week of division play, this time facing the surprising Atlanta Falcons. After only one week, it is too early to tell if the Falcons performance was a fluke or not. On Sunday, we will know.

The Falcons were very impressive in their opening game against Detroit. After only one week, the team is ranked 1st in the league in rushing yards per game, 3rd in total yards, and 4th in points per game. The defense is ranked 5th in rushing yards allowed, but that is the only thing they have to brag about. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner both had impressive debuts for the Falcons, and will both be factors in this week’s game. Ryan’s first career pass was a 62-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins. He finished the game with 161 passing yards and a 137.0 quarterback rating. Michael Turner, LT’s understudy, blew out of the gate with a Falcons record 220 rushing yards. He ran for 2 touchdowns, including a 66-yard gallop.

Key Matchup:
Brian Griese vs. Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia is out this week with a sprained ankle. But is that the only reason? Garcia is unhappy about his benching, saying that he could play on Sunday. Is Jon Gruden making a statement? We all know his fondness for Brian Griese. We also know that he likes Garcia, but there could be some hurt feelings between the two. During the offseason, Garcia complained numerous times about his contract, while Gruden appeared to be scouting Brett Favre. Right now, we don’t know if Garcia is benched because he’s hurt, or because Gruden is tired of dealing with him. Whatever the case is, Griese will have to live up to the performance of Jeff Garcia from 2007. Garcia had a Pro Bowl year, throwing for 2,440 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 4 picks. In the first several weeks of the season, he was untouchable. Griese needs to make something happen this week. If he could roll out a season like he did in 2004, then all would be forgiven and forgotten. Good luck Brian.

The biggest question for the Bucs that doesn’t concern a quarterback, is whether Derrick Brooks will play or not. Brooks has started 209 consecutive games, never missing a game in his career. An injured hamstring could prove to be the difference maker for Tampa’s defense. Speaking of defense, they are reeling from Sunday’s loss. Yes, it was only one week, but they ranked 20th or lower in three of the four major defensive categories. The Bucs need to try and utilize the passing game this week. Atlanta’s defense is ranked 27th when it comes to the passing game. On the other hand, they are ranked 5th against the run, making it hard to get Earnest Graham his carries.

In a division that appears to be for real, the Bucs can’t afford to lose this game. Already down a game in the division, the Bucs need to win as many games as they can to insure they repeat as division champs. Injuries will be the catalyst for the Bucs on Sunday, making it as questionable as their top linebacker.