Bucs to test run defense

The Falcons are giving up 154.4 yards rushing per game, which ranks 26th in the league.

“There is no rule against whipping a block and making a play,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “That’s something that we’ve got to get better at. I think everybody has kind of been feeling their way around now. . … We’ve got to cut it loose and go make plays especially in our run defense.”

Tampa Bay running back Bobby Rainey rushed for 163 yards against the Falcons last season.

“This is a good running team,” Smith said. “(Tampa Bay coach) Lovie (Smith) is going to try to run the football. They’ve got two backs. We anticipate the Doug Martin will be back and Rainey, we had a hard time tackling him when we played them last year in Tampa.”

About the Author

Kickoff nearing, can Falcons spoil Bucs’ playoff chances?

35m ago

Dirty Birds Dispatch: Falcons have not found a way

Atlanta takes on the Bucs Thursday in Tampa

The interior of Falcons offensive line has a major challenge Sunday

Vita Vea et al. allow veteran linebacker Lavonte David to move around and pursue the football.

The Latest

Credit: AP

LIVE UPDATES

Kickoff nearing, can Falcons spoil Bucs’ playoff chances?

35m ago

Dirty Birds Dispatch: Falcons have not found a way

The interior of Falcons offensive line has a major challenge Sunday

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.