Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons: Keys To Victory

The Bucs were able to get the job done in Week 1, but their Week 2 matchup with the Falcons is even more important than the season-opener against Dallas.

That's because this is a divisional matchup. These games go a long, long way in determining playoff seeding. Plus, you always want to smash a rival, right?

If the Bucs pull off the following list of items, then they should have no issue smashing the Falcons on Sunday. A 2-0 start with a 1-0 record in division play is a big accomplishment, so let's take a look at what Tampa Bay needs to do in order to achieve that goal.

5. Stop the Falcons' run game

The Bucs run defense will be very important this week. This is because the Falcons offense loves to run play-action, but they will move away from it if the running game isn't working.

Just take last week's first quarter, for example. Per Sports Info Solutions, the Falcons ran the ball 13 times for 86 yards. Seven of Matt Ryan's 14 first quarter dropbacks were play-action calls. He completed five passes for 34 yards.

The Eagles shut down the run game after the first quarter. The Falcons attempted 13 runs and amassed just 38 yards over the next three quarters. As a result, only three of Ryan's remaining 25 dropbacks were play-action calls.

Arthur Smith's offense isn't as nearly as effective without an efficient play-action game. The Titans averaged 21.4 points per game with an ineffective play-action game compared to 34.6 points per game when it worked effectively in 2020. If the Bucs can halt the run, then they will take out one of the Falcons' offensive arteries.

4. Minimize mistakes

This seems awfully basic, I know. However, the Bucs had major issues with penalties and turnovers which nearly cost them the game against Dallas. That can't happen again this week, especially against an Atlanta team that's hungry for its first win.

There is no metric or stat or predictive machination that can prevent this. It's all on the players to protect the ball and stay disciplined. Will the Bucs rebound and control what they can control? Make no mistake: If the Bucs commit turnovers and stay behind the chains, then Atlanta can easily win this game.

3. Protect Tom Brady

Dean Pees loves to dish out a ton of exotic fronts and disguise pressure, which will drive just about any NFL quarterback bonkers. This strategy also affects the offensive line's performance, which can lead to more aches and pains for said quarterback(s). 

The Bucs offensive line didn't allow a sack against the Cowboys, but Dan Quinn's scheme is vastly different from Pees'. This week will be a much different test and Brady knows that.

"[Pees] really challenges the quarterback," Brady told reporters on Thursday. "[His teams are] very sound defensively. I don’t think there are a lot of easy plays out there. He makes you earn everything."

Remember last year's Week 15 matchup? Brady and the Bucs offensive line got stomped by the Falcons pass rush and the result was a 17-0 lead at halftime. The Falcons secondary is a major question mark, so if the Bucs give Brady time, then the team will have major success on offense. 

And let's not forget the man is 44-years-old. That plays a big role, as well.