The Atlanta Falcons have lost only two games this season, but they come into Raymond James Stadium on Sunday in Tampa, Florida favored by only three points.
As mentioned often—the only numbers that really count on game day are on the backs of players who produce. Certainly they are ones taking snaps, catching passes and getting tackles. But NFL oddsmakers don’t get stingy with points without reason.
During the last Falcons-Buccaneer meeting the game went to fading seconds before Atlanta stopped Tampa’s final drive on the goal line. Stats for the two teams match-up closely except for the ever-meager ranking of 27th rushing defense in the NFL by the Bucs.
Perhaps the skinny point spread is a result of the 2010 acquisitions by head coach Raheem Morris, general manager Mark Dominic and staff.
Perhaps it’s their willingness to pull triggers on decisions to promote young players and release poor performers.
Could be a combination of both, and some examples show brisk decisions.
This week, safety Sabby Piscitelli was released and safety Corey Lynch will start. The arrival of LeGarrette Blount to the practice squad and then to the field has improved the running game. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is honing his skills. Wide receiver Mike Williams has excelled beyond expectations. Wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe was perhaps another good choice and will see game time soon.
It seems the philosophy of fielding the very best players available every game has found a home in the Tampa Bay area.
That’s often easily said, but not always executed.
Maybe it’s the Buccaneers' willingness to experiment and seek top talent that is getting the attention around the league and in Las Vegas as well.
Fans may ignore oddsmakers and statisticians, but it’s still prudent to match team strengths and weaknesses before the first kickoff. Then it’s just "play the game every second for 60 minutes."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Remaining 2010 Schedule
Games: Three home, two away
Atlanta Falcons (9-2) (home)
Washington Redskins (5-6) (away)
Detroit Lions (2-9) (home)
Seattle Seahawks (5-6) (home)
New Orleans Saints (8-3) (away)
Win/loss records of remaining opponents combined: (29- 26)
After Falcons, win/loss record of remaining opponents combined: (20-24)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
Offense
Total Offense: 24th (319.4 YPG)
Passing: 24th (203.1 YPG)
Rushing: 13th (116.3 YPG)
Defense
Total: 15th (338.4 YPG)
Passing: 9th (205.9 YPG)
Rushing: 27th (132.5 YPG)
Atlanta Falcons (9-2)
Offense
Total: 10th (364.4 YPG)
Passing: 13th (236.5 YPG)
Rushing: 8th (127.9 YPG)
Defense
Total: 20th (346.6 YPG)
Passing: 27th (252.9 YPG)
Rushing: 6th (93.7 YPG)
Falcons rank eighth in rushing offense, Bucs rank 27th in rushing defense.
Bucs rank 13th in rushing offense, Falcons rank sixth in rushing defense.
Falcons rank 13th in passing offense, Bucs rank ninth in passing defense.
Bucs rank 24th in passing offense, Falcons rank 27th in passing defense
Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com
Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada
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