Atlanta Falcons Playing Tampa Bay Buccaneers 'Feels Like Two' Games

Why the Atlanta Falcons game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be the most important one yet for its season.

Last week, the Atlanta Falcons suffered a painful loss, but there’s no time for a pity party as the team approaches a divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Arthur Smith:

"Do we think we've had some chances to be better? Absolutely,” Smith said. “But that's not where we're at. Good news is we got a huge game Sunday down in Tampa, a chance to get another divisional win that could feel like two," Smith said. "We'll be ready to go. Thankfully, the season's not over, but sure, it can make you not feel great, but we know we got work to do, and you have to eliminate that, you have to acknowledge it, that's what it is."

The Atlanta Falcons game against its divisional rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be the most important of the season so far / USA Today Sports

After starting off the season 2-0, the Falcons have stumbled to 3-3, but this week’s division rivalry game on the road has the potential to save their season and Desmond Ridder’s job.

Ridder is on thin ice after throwing three interceptions against the Washington Commanders. If the Falcons don’t get back into the win column soon, they may be forced to try out backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke or perhaps attempt a trade for another veteran on a struggling team like Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings.

With an improving defense and skill position talent galore thanks to investing first-round picks in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, Atlanta could be a lot closer to contending than it’s been given credit for if only that had a quarterback they could rely on.