3 key matchups: Falcons at Bucs

Falcons LT Jake Matthews vs. Bucs DE Noah Spence: After giving up three pressures Oct. 23 against the Chargers, Matthews had a perfect pass-protection day Sunday against the Packers. On 43 pass blocks, he did not give up a sack, hit or hurry. He also tossed a shutout against Denver in the fifth game of the season. Spence, a rookie from Eastern Kentucky, has three sacks. Spence, who started his career at Ohio State, is adjusting to the speed of the pro game. "We are hoping that Noah continues to improve just like (Vic) Beasley has done for the (Falcons)," Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said.

Falcons FB Patrick DiMarco and guards Andy Levitre and Chris Chester vs. Bucs LB Kwon Alexander: Alexander shut down the Falcons' rushing attack in the opener and helped to make the offense one-dimensional. He finished the game with 17 tackles. Levitre and Chester, when they have to move beyond the defensive linemen, must get their blocks on Alexander. When DiMarco is in the game as the lead blocker, he must win at the point of attack. Falcons running backs had only 42 yards on 19 carries in the opener.

Falcons CB Desmond Trufant vs. Bucs WR Mike Evans: Trufant is having another solid season and has four pass breakups. "As far as their offense, we know that they like to take shots down the field," Trufant said. "On the back end, we have to be ready for stuff like that." Trufant, who has one interception and two sacks. Evans has 44 catches for 595 yards receiving yards and six touchdowns.