NFL Rankings Week 9: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With nine games remaining, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face four teams with winning records (the Seahawks lead their division with a 4-3 record and the Ravens are tied for the lead at 5-2) and three teams with losing records (Panthers, Lions and 49ers).

The Buccaneers are ranked in the NFL at 21st in offense and 25th in defense.

The rushing offense has improved dramatically with the athletic power runs of LeGarrette Blount, but rushing defense lags at 30th in the league allowing 149.4 yards per game.

The Bucs face the Falcons this week who are sixth in offense and 23rd in defense. The challenging part of that stat is that the Falcons are fifth in offensive rushing yards. 

But the Tampa Bay defense has much to be proud of as the young squad improved during the past two wins.

CB Aqib Talib was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week last week for his two interceptions against the Cardinals, one returned for a touchdown.

Still, the second youngest squad in the NFL will have to continue to grow fast together to overcome seasoned opponents. They go against a powerful team in Atlanta, and will need every effort and break to pull off a win for the lead in the NFC South.

The Bucs and Falcons have matching win records, but that doesn’t mean they are evenly matched.

Stats don’t generate points; teams generate stats. So, as always, it’s one game at a time.

Up next, it’s THE game to watch in the South.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Remaining 2010 Schedule

Games: Four home, five away

Atlanta Falcons (5-2) (away)

Carolina Panthers (1-6) (home)

San Francisco 49ers (2-6) (away)

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) (away)

Atlanta Falcons (5-2) (home)

Washington Redskins (4-4) (away)

Detroit Lions (2-5) (home)

Seattle Seahawks (5-3) (home)

New Orleans Saints (4-3) (away)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons Rankings

(www.NFL.com)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)

Offense

Rushing 21st = 104.9 yards per game 

Passing 18th = 216.9 yards per game

Total 18th = 321.7 yards per game

Defense

Rushing 30th = 149.4 yards per game

Passing 13th = 210.4 yards per game

Total 25th = 359.9 yards per game

Atlanta Falcons (5-2)

Offense

Rushing fifth = 137.4 yards per game

Passing 11th = 233.4 yards per game

Total sixth = 370.9 yards per game

Defense

Rushing 23rd = 95.9 yards per game

Passing 27th = 260.3 yards per game

Total sixth = 356.1 yards per game

Offense/Defense Matchup

Falcons rank fifth in rushing offense, Bucs rank 30th in rushing defense.

Bucs rank 18th in rushing offense, Falcons rank sixth in rushing defense. 

Falcons rank 11th in passing offense, Bucs rank 13th in passing defense.

Bucs rank 18th in passing offense, Falcons rank 27th in passing defense.

Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com