The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a chance to end their season at .500 with a win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in their Week 17 finale.
The Bucs have come on strong in the second half of the season after a 3-7 start. They’ve gone 4-1 over their past five games and quarterback Jameis Winston is putting up big numbers (both good and bad). For the first time in a while, it seems the Bucs will head into the offseason with a newfound sense of optimism about the future.
But, the Falcons should not be taken lightly. While Tampa Bay is favored, Atlanta has had a second half surge of their own. After a 1-7 start, they’ve gone 5-2 since their Week 9 bye, and today, the team received some good news that could spell trouble for the Bucs come Sunday.
Falcons’ GM Thomas Dimitroff and HC Dan Quinn will return in 2020.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2019
Quinn’s job status was a topic of conversation all season long. The team has struggled since their loss in Super Bowl LI to the New England Patriots, and it appeared as though a change was inevitable after their horrific start to the season.
But, knowing that Quinn — who had the backing of his players — will return next year will likely provide the team with a spark on Sunday. They know their coach is returning and they are looking towards the future, much like the Bucs are.
The Falcons have also had big road wins against both the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers following their bye. A trip to face their division rival is nothing for them.
[lawrence-related id=26708,26699,26692,26672]