FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons opened as a 12.5-point underdog going into Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m., Fox).
It is no surprise as to why, with the Bucs having a loaded offense led by quarterback Tom Brady and top receivers in Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski. The defense also is loaded in talent with Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, Jason Pierre-Paul and up-and-coming cornerback Carlton Davis.
There is no doubt that the Buccaneers are talented. After all, they are the defending Super Bowl champions. They also are a division opponent the Falcons want to beat to earn their first win of the season.
One important part of the game will be how the Falcons defense plays against Tom Brady. Coach Arthur Smith has a lot of respect for Brady, but understands what it takes to compete and beat one of the greats.
“Not many people can slow him down,” Smith said. “It’s a lot of guys that popped off about the arrogance of Tom Brady, (but) nobody’s done it better than him. There’s a reason he’s won seven Super Bowls.”
After a disappointing 22-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles to start the season Sunday, the Falcons are looking to rebound. One person who is looking to see more from the offense this game is Smith. He knows they can do more.
“It’s going to be hard to win football games when you play a lot of plays and don’t return on your investment,” Smith said in response to the offense scoring only six points.
The Falcons’ offense ran 66 plays while finishing with 260 yards of offense.
Falcons receiver Russell Gage, who is in his fourth season in the NFL, knows the offense can be potent and wants to build off of his last game.
“We understand the timing. We know what we’re capable of and know what we can do,” Gage said about the Falcons’ receiving corps and expectations. “There are some goods to take out of that (game). We’ve always been one of the most explosive teams in the league.”
While the Falcons are getting ready for the Buccaneers, quarterback Matt Ryan cannot forget about when the Buccaneers came back and won 31-27 last year. He understands the importance of finishing games, especially when it’s against Brady.
“The lesson is important to finish them when you get your opportunities,” Ryan said. “You have to be on your details, you have to be disciplined. You got to make plays when they present themselves.”
Linebacker Foye Oluokun remembers last year and knows the defense will have to lock down when they have their chances to finish.
“I think it’s the same thing as last year,” Oluokun said. “We were up the first and second game last year, even led by three points heading into the fourth quarter. When situations happen, you have to win to keep yourself in the game. Then when you get to the fourth quarter, little plays will win you the game.”
The Falcons are 2-8 in one-score games last season with leads of 14 points of more being blown twice last season against Chicago and Dallas.
One focus on defense is being able to stop the Buccaneers offense when coach Bruce Arians decides to go for it on fourth down. Smith understands that opportunities like that is what the Falcons will have to take advantage of.
“We play every snap,” Smith said about preparing his defense for fourth-down situations. “We did that on Sunday (against the Eagles). You’re seeing more people go for it on fourth down. Ultimately, you got to make a decision for your team, whether it’s the right call or not. We’ve got to stop them on fourth down, especially when we get them in plus territory.”
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