Back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Newsfeed

It'll be like old times when Joe Hawley tries to block Jonathan Babineaux

TAMPA, Fla. -- During five seasons in Atlanta, Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Joe Hawley honed his craft against the Falcons' defensive personnel.

So when asked to name the team's toughest defensive player, he was quick to answer.

"I think Jonathan Babineaux," said Hawley, who played for Atlanta from 2010-14. "He's been playing a long time. He's a very smart player, and he's a leader. Playing against him -- I learned a lot against him. He taught me a lot."

On Sunday, Hawley will line up across from the 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle again when the Bucs visit the Falcons at the Georgia Dome.