Pewter Pirate Predictions: Week One – Buccaneers vs Falcons

This Sunday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off their season against the division rival Atlanta Falcons. These are widely regarded as the top two teams in the NFC South, so this makes for an important regular season game. Both will want to take control of the playoff race early.

I think this Falcons team is good and that they will make the playoffs with or without the division crown. However, there is a lot of reason to be optimistic about the Bucs chances in this game. Here are a few of things I’m expecting with my Pewter Pirate Predictions.

Bucs Rush For 150+

So much attention has been paid to the passing game in this matchup. Between Michael Penix and the rookie pass rushers against Charlie Heck and the debut of Emeka Egbuka it’s all been very air raid centric. I don’t believe that’s where this game will be won.

Pop quiz! How many defensive tackles  can you name from the Falcons roster? If the answer is more than two then you are officially an NFL sicko like me. David Onyemata is the best of the bunch as a run stuffing role player. After that it is undersized pass rushers who haven’t really developed into much yet.

With Atlanta being somewhat soft in the middle of their defensive line, it’s a great chance for this excellent Buccaneers offensive line to flex their muscles. Cram the ball right down their throats with all three of the Bucs talented running backs. I don’t know how it breaks out (look for Sean Tucker to potentially lead the team in rushing in this game), but in total I believe the Bucs will have over 150 rushing yards. 

Rookies Shine

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about this rookie class in Tampa. And even without a few key pieces in this game (Benjamin Morrison and David Walker) I think we will see exactly why everyone is so excited.

It starts with Emeka Egbuka. With injuries to Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, Egbuka will be the Bucs number two receiver in this game. I have no doubt that he rises to that challenge. Think in the way of 7 catches for 80+ yards and a touchdown.

However, he won’t be the only rookie I expect to make a splash. Jacob Parrish will be the team’s starting nickel back in this game. His physicality and speed have flashed all preseason and I think he’ll get his first career NFL interception this week.

Magnificent Mike

There is some newness with the Bucs offense this year. New offensive coordinator, new play makers and a new approach to how the Bucs want to attack defenses. However, what hasn’t changed is Mike Evans.

You know exactly what you’re going to get with Evans. His size, his speed and his route running are all still as good as they ever have been. Look for him to get not one, but two touchdowns in this game because scoring touchdowns is what he does best.

Final Score

As of Friday afternoon, the Bucs are slight favorites to win. Everyone is expecting Atlanta to put up points on this defense, but I don’t think it will be as easy as most outsiders think. On the other hand, I believe even this banged up version of th Bucs will be able to move the ball at will.

I’ll Predict

Buccaneers – 34
Falcons 23