Atlanta Falcons' Arthur Smith Previews Tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense

After dropping the last three games, a win on Sunday over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could give the Atlanta Falcons first place in the NFC South.

Even after dropping three of their last four games, the Atlanta Falcons sit in second place in the NFC South. However, on Sunday, that could change as the Falcons go on the road to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in a game where if Atlanta can win, they could hold first place. 

That is easier said than done, as both teams are very familiar with each other despite the changes in personnel from the last time they met a season ago. No, the Falcons won't have to worry about putting together a game plan for stopping legendary quarterback Tom Brady this time. However, they will still have to find ways to score on a Buccaneers defense that is among the best in the league in many statistics. 

"Well, I think it's a little bit we saw some of their scheme in Jacksonville, Mike Caldwell, I think Todd's—I always think it's the sign of a great coach—the guy that's continued to evolve some years and it's looked a lot different than others, and what he's trying to attack you with, ..." Falcons coach Arthur Smith said about the Buccaneers' defense spearheaded by coach and defensive signal-caller Todd Bowles. "He's—I think—one of the better defensive coaches in this league, a ton of respect for him, but this is what the league is; it's competitive, and they know it, and that's what I would say." 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles (left) and Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith (right) / USA Today

For a Falcons offense that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, as their vaunted run game has been held under the 100-yard mark in two of the last four games, combined with a passing game that has seen an uptick in yardage thanks to back-to-back 300-yard performances from quarterback Desmond Ridder, has also seen an increase in turnovers, the Buccaneers will be a stiff test.

The Buccaneers currently rank as one of the best defenses at stopping the run. Tampa Bay allows the seventh-fewest yards per game at 83.8 while ranking 10th for yards per rush at 3.7. 

While it could be tough sledding upfront for the Falcons ground game, the passing game could have some opportunities to make plays. The Buccaneers rank 247 passing yards allowed per game ranked among the worst in the league at No. 26, while their 6.4 yards per pass is middling at No. 16. 

While the Buccaneers ultimately ended up winning the NFC South last season and making the playoffs, the Falcons did manage to split the season series a year ago, beating Brady in his final regular season start 30-17. 

Atlanta will look to beat the Buccaneers again, this time inside Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.