How 3 key matchups could determine Buccaneers vs. Falcons in Week 1

Although Kyle Pitts hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype that made him the fourth overall pick back in the 2021 NFL Draft, he still possesses more than enough talent to change the course of a game – at least when he’s playing against Tampa Bay. Last year, Pitts lit it up during his two regular-season matchups with the Bucs, piling up an impressive total of 11 receptions, 179 receiving yards and 2 TDs across both games. 

Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis was unavailable for both of the team’s games vs. the Falcons last season. In a very limited sample size, Dennis has proven to be adequate enough in pass coverage for the team to neglect addressing the position during the offseason. The coaching staff and front office clearly have a lot of belief in the former PItt Panther and what he could bring to Todd Bowles’ defense when healthy.

His first chance to prove his worth will come on Sunday, where he is guaranteed to be matched up often with the Falcons’ talented pass-catching tight end in Pitts.

Emeka Egbuka vs. BIlly Bowman Jr.

Rookie edge rushers Jalon Walker (Georgia) and James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) stole all the headlines during the offseason for Atlanta as GM Terry Fontenot made a concerted effort to invigorate the Falcons' defense with a youth movement at several key spots. Of the Falcons' incoming rookie class, fourth-round draft pick Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma) has made quite the impression throughout his first NFL training camp and preseason. So much so, in fact, that Bowman is going to be the team’s starting nickel cornerback to start the season.

On the Buccaneers’ side of things, rookie WR Emeka Egbuka has been the talk of the offseason in Tampa. The versatile receiver has blown away his teammates, coaches, and front office with his versatility, intelligence and overall polish as a receiver. With both Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan sidelined for the foreseeable future, Egbuka will be thrust into a key role within Josh Grizzard’s offense. 

With both of these rookies occupying important starting positions on their respective teams, there’s no question that whoever gets the better of their matchup will play a significant role on the outcome of this football game. 

Charlie Heck vs. Falcons Pass Rushers

Charlie Heck has big shoes to fill. It would be unfair to ask any player in the league to step in and occupy Wirfs’ role at the same (or even comparable) level of excellence he has demonstrated over the course of his career. However, injuries are a part of the game, and for the Buccaneers, Charlie Heck is the player who will be tasked with the challenge of limiting the damage in Wirfs’ absence.

Heck’s role will be crucial for the Bucs on Sunday. He needs to at the very least hold his own to ensure that Baker Mayfield’s blindside is protected — at least long enough for Mayfield to make a read and get the ball out quickly. If Heck is able to provide that, it will go a long way toward allowing the Buccaneers’ offense to utilize their full arsenal of weapons. If not, it could result in a catastrophe. 

The Falcons invested two first-round picks in the edge rusher position a couple of months ago, and in conjunction with proven veteran David Onyemata, they’ll surely be throwing the kitchen sink at Tristan Wirfs’ replacement early and often in this football game. An offensive line is only as good as its weakest link, and if Charlie Heck can’t hold the fort down at LT, the Buccaneers’ OL strength will quickly become a glaring weakness.