Buccaneers move up one spot in latest USA TODAY NFL Power Rankings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ big win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12 moved them up one spot in the latest USA TODAY NFL Power Rankings.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled off the upset in Week 12 by taking down the Atlanta Falcons on the road.

The Falcons were coming off two-straight wins against division foes — the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, respectively — and had outscored their opponents 55-12 in those wins.

But, the Buccaneers managed to find a way to carve up a revamped Falcons defense, and one of the ways they did that was with a bit of trickery. Nose tackle and human behemoth Vita Vea caught his first career touchdown pass from Jameis Winston in the 35-22 win, and as the Buccaneers moved up one spot this week in the latest USA TODAY Power Rankings, the question was asked, why hasn’t Vea been utilized more on offense?

 “The real question, given Bucs’ 20th-ranked ground game, is why hasn’t high school RB Vita Vea been in backfield far more often in 2019?”

Vea and the Buccaneers take to the road again in Week 13, this time staying in-state to take on the 4-7 Jacksonville Jaguars, who are still looking for their first win with quarterback Nick Foles under center.

Surprisingly, the Jags, who were humiliated Sunday by the Tennessee Titans and fell to No. 25 in the power rankings, are favorites over the Bucs at home.

Some extra motivation for Tampa Bay, perhaps?

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