Falcons C James Stone vs. Bucs DT Gerald McCoy: Stone will makes his second NFL start. He played well against Detroit, but had a crucial holding penalty on Ndamukong Suh when the Falcons were trying to run the clock out. Stone will help guard Jon Asamoah and Justin Blalock with McCoy, who recently became the league's highest-paid defensive linemen. McCoy, an All-Pro who didn't play in the first game because of a fractured left hand, comes off a two-sack effort against the Browns.
Falcons RB Steven Jackson vs. Bucs MLB Mason Foster: The Falcons gave Jackson a season-high 18 carries against the Lions as they tried to get their running game moving. He rushed for 60 yards. Foster had seven tackles, one for a loss and one quarterback hit last week against Cleveland.
Falcons S Dwight Lowery vs. Bucs RB Bobby Rainey: The Falcons have dropped Lowery down in the box and have used him as a linebacker in running situations. He's helped to solidify what was a meek rushing defense earlier in the season. Rainey had a strong game last week against Cleveland, rushing for 87 yards on 19 carries. Last season, he rushed for 163 yards on 30 carries in a 41-28 victory over the Falcons on Nov. 17, 2013. "Bobby did a good job for us last week," Bucs coach Lovie Smith said.
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