Another week, another game, another mix of optimism and brutal pessimism to deal with. This week, against a Buccaneers team long on weapons and short on defense, the reasons to feel confident and worry are pretty obvious ones, as I think you’ll agree. Let’s get to it.
Feel confident about the punchless Tampa Bay pass rush
The Falcons may have trouble with pass rushes all year. Fortunately, this week they draw the Buccaneers, led by Mike “A Pass Rush Is Optional” Smith.
It’s always possible Tampa Bay causes some problems for Atlanta—they have the talent up front to cause at least mild havoc—but we’re all familiar with the unique challenges of a Smitty pass rush, and the Bucs have done virtually nothing this year to erase that stigma.