The Atlanta Falcons took a step back last week when they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, failing to get anything going on offense in the process. After looking efficient and balanced in their Week 1 win over the New Orleans Saints, the sudden drop in production was alarming. Now the team returns home to face off against another divisional opponent as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to the Georgia Dome for Thursday Night Football.
The Falcons defense might be the cause for an alarm through two games. The unit has given up more yards than any other team in the league. They are also the only unit that has yet to record a sack through two games. The team allowed 472 yards to the Cincinnati Bengals while totaling 635 allowed passing yards so far this year. That is not good considering they also have yet to sack the quarterback. Tampa Bay might not be an offense to brag about, but they are capable of exposing an already weak defense.
Tampa Bay has yet to win a game this year after dropping its first eight matchups last season. Josh McCown is in his first season as the starter and is averaging 168.5 passing yards per game while tossing three interceptions. Those certainly are not terrible numbers, but considering the Buccaneers are winless, the blame gets tossed his way.
McCown will try to rely on the run game despite Doug Martin being ruled out for the matchup. Bobby Rainey will start after putting up 144 yards on 22 carries. While the offense has injuries, the defense is suffering as well. Tampa Bay will be without Gerald McCoy and Mason Foster on Thursday which hurts the already struggling unit which has to go up against a Falcons' offense that can record some big numbers.
The Falcons are expecting Roddy White to be back and healthy for this game despite missing three practices this week. He and Julio Jones have been limited, but are expected to be healthy for the game. The Falcons will also get left tackle Jake Matthews back after he hurt his ankle against the Saints. That should help Matt Ryan have a bounce-back performance after throwing for just 231 yards against the Bengals.
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