NFL Week 9 Previews: Buccaneers-Falcons, an Unlikely Matchup for the NFC South Lead

The Atlanta Falcons look to start 4-0 at home for the third straight season when they host a Tampa Bay Buccaneer team poised to start 4-0 on the road for the first time in franchise history.

It’s also a bout for the NFC South division lead. Tampa's cornerback Aqib Talib, reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, against the Falcons' Roddy White, NFC Offensive Player of the month for October.

It’s Matt Ryan against Josh Freeman. It’s Raheem Morris against the media. It’s a Super Bowl hopeful taking on a team just trying to prove they belong in the conversation.

And it’s a better matchup than it’s getting credit for.

The Buccaneers' 14 interceptions lead the NFL, and their pass defense is ranked 12th, allowing 210.4 yards per game. Their run defense, however, ranks 30th, allowing just under 150 yards per game on the ground.

The Falcons have not had trouble running the ball in 2010. Their fifth-ranked rushing offense averages 137.4 yards per game with Michael Turner carrying the load and a formidable Jason Snelling backing him up. Their passing offense is ranked 11th, led by White, who is averaging over 100 yards receiving per game.

The key for the Falcons may be getting a big lead and keeping it, as Freeman’s Buccaneers are 4-0 in games decided by three points or less this season.

Getting a lead might not be easy for the Falcons, with rookie LeGarrette Blount emerging last week as the Buccaneers' primary running threat with 120 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Williams is also second among NFL rookies with 32 catches and should have a big day against the league’s 27th-ranked pass defense.

The real question in this matchup is whether or not the Buccaneers offense can keep up with Matt Ryan and the Falcons.

Key Players

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stylez White and Kyle Moore: The defensive line must generate a pass rush and force Ryan to make quick decisions with the football. If Roddy White has time to get open downfield, Ryan will find him every time. Keep Ryan honest, keep the offense in the game.

Atlanta Falcons

Michael Turner: There’s no better way to beat the Buccaneers than to run the football. If Turner can provide offensive balance to keep the defense from pinning their ears back en route to the quarterback, the Falcons offense could have a big day.

The Falcons go for their fourth straight win over the Buccaneers Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

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