Buccaneers, Falcons hoping to make strong stretch runs

Will Gholston and Howard Jones will get the start at defensive end instead, but the Bucs’ pass rush should take a hefty hit with McCoy out as well.

KC: Devonta Freeman is hungry, I expect a monster performance from him and Doug Martin is a talented running back that puts up consistent numbers for his team.

Since the 1970 NFL/AFL Merger, Winston ranks third in passing yards and tied for fourth in passing touchdowns by a rookie through the first 12 weeks of the season. The Falcons still have both games to play against the Carolina Panthers, a team that is still undefeated with an 11-0 record. The Falcons offense began to struggle as defenses started locking down Julio Jones, Freeman has had nagging injuries during this time leaving the turnover-prone Tevin Coleman to assume starting responsibilities, and the defense has given up plays in crucial moments. Tampa Bay would fall to 5-7 on the year and would need others to stumble in the final quarter of the season to keep their slim playoff aspirations alive. “We know what we need to do”, the NFL’s leading receiver said.

Just a month ago the Falcons looked a certainty for the postseason, but what a difference a month can make. “We’ll go out there and see what happens on Sunday”. Over the past three meetings between the teams, he’s completed 78 percent of his passes for 902 yards, six TDs and one interception. Although the running game racked up well over a hundred yards, QB Matt Ryan threw two interceptions, and the Falcons’ defense failed to record a single sack in the 20-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week. Solid numbers but not the big time stats some irrationally expected out of the number one overall pick of this years’ draft. To make matters worse the Falcons will have the red hot Devonta Freeman returning to their backfield. The Bucs are the most penalized team in the National Football League with 109 for 894 yards.

DR: A win over the Falcons wold be a huge step for the Bucs, getting them back to.500.

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Buccaneers going for first season sweep of NFC South rival since 2007. They’re 2-1 with wins over Atlanta and New Orleans on the road this season.