Tag: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucs could set a rather undesirable NFL record against the Falcons in Week 12

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has been struggling to stop opponents this season, and have tied a rather undesirable NFL record.

We all know that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers run defense has been one of their biggest strengths this season, but they may not be getting the full credit they deserve given that their pass defense is second to last in the NFL.

Plus, the Bucs are giving up the most points in the league, a whooping 31.3 per game. If you think that’s bad, it turns out that in the past eight games, Tampa Bay has tied a lowly NFL record, as pointed out by NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal in his prediction for the Bucs-Falcons game.

Take a look.

“The Falcons just outscored the best two teams in the NFC South 55-12 on the road, so their unlikely escape from the division basement Sunday should be no problem. A suddenly frisky Atlanta front is bound to force Jameis Winston into mistakes, and the Falcons’ secondary looks nearly whole again with Desmond Trufant back to balling. The Bucs are a study in the limited usefulness of a great run defense, giving up at least 27 points for eight straight games, tying the NFL record. Any team led by Matt Ryan doesn’t need an excuse to pass like crazy.”

Rosenthal predicts that the Falcons will prevail on Sunday, 33-21, so clearly he believes the Bucs will break the record and make it nine games. In their past four meetings, Atlanta has averaged 31.5 points per game.

The Bucs defense is due for a big-game performance. Hopefully, Sunday will be that day.

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Bruce Arians says Falcons QB Matt Ryan is ‘one of the premier pocket passers’

The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two of the biggest disappointments in the league this season, with a combined record of 6-14 entering their Week 12 matchup.

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The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two of the biggest disappointments in the league this season, with a combined record of 6-14 entering their Week 12 matchup.

Neither team appears to be headed to the playoffs despite having two of the NFL’s most potent passing offenses. The Bucs are averaging 285.6 yards per game through the air, which ranks fourth. The Falcons are averaging 300.3 passing yards per contest, the third-highest in the league.

The problem for Tampa Bay has been its 32nd-ranked defense, which has allowed 31.2 points per game. Atlanta isn’t too far behind, allowing 26.2 points per game, even after two dominant defensive performances.

Bucs coach Bruce Arians spoke with team reporters and was asked about Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Arians, who’s worked with some great QBs including Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Carson Palmer, had high praise for Ryan:

“I’ve always been a fan,” said Arians. “I think he’s one of the premier pocket passers, and he’s just been an outstanding player for a long time.”

Atlanta has played complementary football during its current two-game win streak, accounting for 11 sacks and four interceptions, while putting up 27.5 points per game. The Bucs, meanwhile, are coming off a 34-17 loss to the Saints in Week 11.

The Falcons are favored for the first time in over a month, opening as a 4.5-point favorite over Tampa Bay in Week 12.

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A look at O.J. Howard’s route trees in Bruce Arians’ offense vs. Dirk Koetter’s

Take a look at the route trees of Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard in his last two offensive systems.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard has had a rough go of things this season, his first year playing under head coach Bruce Arians.

Howard, who was put on blast by Arians earlier this year for his poor play, caused an interception in last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, juggling the ball against his body and behind his back before it was eventually picked off. For the season, the third-year tight end out of Alabama has just 17 receptions for 223 yards and a touchdown.

So, what’s been the issue?

Well, looking at Howard’s route trees in Arians’ offense compared to former coach and current Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s, it’s clear the two systems are utilizing the tight end very differently.

Take a look.

Arians had this to say about the tight ends of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2015, when he was the team’s head coach: “We pay Larry (Fitzgerald) and those guys too much money to throw it to the tight ends. They’re here to block.”

You would’ve hoped that Arians and Byron Leftwich would’ve seen the potential in Howard and utilized him more in the offense as a pass catcher.

It’ll be interesting to see how the team proceeds with Howard at the end of the season. Remember, the New England Patriots inquired about Howard last month before the trade deadline, but were told no by Tampa Bay.

Maybe they’ll change their tune in the offseason.

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Ndamukong Suh has a message for those underestimating the Bucs

See what Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh had to say on Instagram after the team’s latest loss.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be just 3-7, but their rush defense has been one of the best in the league this season.

Currently, the Bucs rush D ranks second in the NFL, allowing just 80.9 yards per game. But their stellar play has often been overshadowed by the glaring deficiencies in their secondary, which is 31st in the league right now.

Still, teams shouldn’t underestimate this Bucs team, no matter their record. And, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh took to Instagram the other day to offer a not so subtle warning to the rest of the league.

Take a look.

Suh and the Bucs have a date with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. Atlanta has won it’s past two games by outscoring their opponents 55-12. Their defense has 11.0 sacks and four interceptions in those wins.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons Week 12 betting lines and odds, with NFL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Atlanta Falcons (3-7) welcome the NFC South-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7) to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday for a 1 p.m. kickoff. We analyze the Buccaneers-Falcons odds and sports betting lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Buccaneers at Falcons: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Falcons have won the last five head-to-head meetings dating back to November 2016. Atlanta scored 34 points in each of last year’s two meetings.
  • The Buccaneers rank sixth in the NFL with 27.7 points per game. The Falcons score 22.0 PPG, ranking 30th in the league with just 74.5 team rushing yards per outing.
  • The Bucs haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown since Week 8.
  • Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston threw four interceptions last week in a 34-17 home loss to the rival New Orleans Saints. It was his third time this season being picked off at least three times in a game.
  • The Falcons allow 26.2 points per game to the Bucs’ league-worst 31.3 points allowed.
  • Atlanta has totaled 11 sacks over two consecutive wins after compiling just seven over its first eight games.
  • The Bucs have the fourth-worst turnover differential in the league at minus-10. The Falcons are minus-eight.

Buccaneers at Falcons: Key injuries

Buccaneers DL William Gholston (ankle) was spotted Monday in a walking boot.

Falcons TE Austin Hooper (knee) and RB Devonta Freeman (foot) remain week-to-week.

Buccaneers at Falcons: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Falcons 35, Buccaneers 24

Moneyline (?)

The FALCONS (-223) are favored at home despite a 1-3 record. They dominated the division-rival Saints and Carolina Panthers the last two weeks with valiant efforts from the defense. The Bucs are 2-3 on the road, but the new-found Falcons pass rush should wreak havoc on the mistake-prone Winston and lead the way to a third straight win.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Falcons to win outright returns a profit of $4.48 (10 divided by 2.23).

Against the Spread (?)

The more profitable play is on ATLANTA with the points (-4.5, -110). The Falcons will need to win by at least five points, as they easily did each of the last two weeks.

Atlanta is 4-6 against the spread for the year while Tampa Bay is a league-worst 2-8 ATS. The first eight games for the Falcons seem like they can be thrown out and the home side will cover once again.

Over/Under (?)

Take the OVER 51.5 (-106). The Falcons overcame the losses of Freeman and Hooper last week to put up 29 points on the road in Carolina. Mistakes from Winston and quality field position will lead to even more scoring as they return home.

The Buccaneers are a league-best 8-2 against the Over/Under while topping the projection by an average of 10.2 points per game.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NFL betting record: 27-31

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Buccaneers vs. Falcons: Time, TV and how to watch online

Find out how you can watch and listen to all of Week 12’s action between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.

The Bucs and Falcons both sit at 3-7 and well out of reach of the 8-2 division-leading New Orleans Saints.

But Atlanta has shown the past two weeks that they won’t go down without a fight. They’ve won two-straight games against NFC South foes, outscoring them 55-12, and will look for a divisional sweep against the Bucs come Sunday.

Tampa Bay is coming off a tough home loss in Week 11 to the Saints, and are hoping to get Jameis Winston and this offense back on track.

Find out how you can watch and listen to all of Week 12’s action.

Game information:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

Kickoff: Sunday, November 24, at 1:00 p.m. E.T.

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

How to Listen:

98ROCK (97.9 – Tampa)

The Boot (103.9 FM – Brooksville)

ESPN SW Florida (99.3 FM – Ft. Myers/Naples/Punta Gorda)

Citrus (95.3 FM – Homosassa)

WLKF (96.7 FM and 1430 AM – Lakeland)

WYGM (740 AM/ 96.9 FM – Orlando and Melbourne)

ESPN Tallahassee (97.9 FM – Tallahassee)

En Español

WTMP-FM 96.1, 101.9 and WMGG-AM 1470 (Tampa)

WIXC – AM 1060 (Melbourne/Orlando)

Satellite Radio

Sirius/XM Channel 88

Stream

You can stream the game live on Fubo TV. (Start your free trial).

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Mike Evans and Chris Godwin truly are the league’s dynamic duo

A quick look at the stats proves that Buccaneers receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin truly are the best duo in the NFL today.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be just 3-7, but their offense is once again one of the best in the league. The Bucs currently rank sixth in both overall offense and scoring offense, and a big reason for that has been the stellar play of their wide receiving duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Evans, the franchise’s all-time leader in receiving yards, is inching ever-closer to another 1,000-yard season, which would tie him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most 1,000-yard seasons to start a career (6).

Godwin, meanwhile, may not be the franchiser receiver Evans is (yet), but he’s made a huge impact in his third season with the Bucs. Godwin had six touchdown receptions in the team’s first five games, and has already set a new career-high in receiving yards with 887.

And, this graphic from the NFL shows just how great the duo of Evans and Godwin has been this season.

Take a look.

How about giving a little love to the NFC South here? Four of the top five receivers in the league right now are on NFC South teams. Michael Thomas, Julio Jones and Evans are names you’d usually expect to see atop this list at some point during the season, but credit Godwin for putting his stamp on this season.

Hopefully, when the Bucs travel to Atlanta in Week 12, Godwin and Evans can both help carry the team to victory. That is, of course, if Jameis Winston can avoid turning the ball over.

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Falcons Week 12 injury report: 7 players miss practice on Wednesday

Those who sat out included QB Matt Ryan, TE Austin Hooper, RB Devonta Freeman and DE Adrian Clayborn. While this many players missing practice would normally be a bad sign, it’s more likely that the team is just being overly cautious.

The Falcons got back to work on Wednesday after their Week 11 win over the Panthers, but seven players did not participate in practice.

Those who sat out included QB Matt Ryan, TE Austin Hooper, RB Devonta Freeman and DE Adrian Clayborn. While this many players missing practice would normally be a bad sign, it’s more likely that the team is just being overly cautious.

Atlanta is on a two-game winning streak, and while Freeman and Hooper are unlikely to play in Sunday’s game against the Panthers, the rest of the injuries aren’t as concerning.

Check out the team’s complete practice report from Wednesday below.

 

Player Inj. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Status
QB Matt Ryan Ankle DNP
RB Devonta Freeman Foot DNP
TE Austin Hooper Knee DNP
DL John Cominsky Ankle DNP
DE Takk McKinley Shoulder DNP
DE Adrian Clayborn Groin DNP
S Kemal Ishamel Head DNP
CB Desmond Trufant Toe LP

 

Come back after Thursday’s practice to get the latest Falcons injury updates.

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Marshon Lattimore, Deonte Harris DNP on Saints injury report

The initial New Orleans Saints injury report for their Week 12 game with the Carolina Panthers rested Marshon Lattimore and Deonte Harris.

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Despite being short-handed in Week 11, the New Orleans Saints had multiple role players step up into starting roles and help the team to a 34-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, in Week 12, the Carolina Panthers will visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in the third NFC South matchup in as many weeks for the Saints.

Last week, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and kick-return specialist Deonte Harris were both out with hamstring injuries, and those ailments held them out of practice again on Wednesday. Week 12’s injury report will shed some light on the possibility of return for either of the two electric playmakers. Unfortunately, left guard Andrus Peat will miss at least a month with a broken arm. Tight end Josh Hill, who suffered a concussion last week, was a limited participant.

The injury reports published by the Saints and the Panthers on Wednesday are the initial reports for the week. A second, updated report will be released on Thursday. The final injury report with game status for certain players will be issued on Friday. Daily changes in practice participation are noted in bold text.

From the Saints

  • OL Andrus Peat (forearm), Did not participate
  • CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), Did not participate
  • WR Deonte Harris (hamstring), Did not participate
  • FB Zach Line (knee), Did not participate
  • TE Josh Hill (concussion), Limited
  • OL Larry Warford (thigh), Limited
  • WR Austin Carr (ankle), Limited
  • OL Ryan Ramczyk (knee), Limited

From the Panthers

  • CB Ross Cockrell (quad), Did not participate
  • DT Gerald McCoy (knee), Did not participate
  • OL Dennis Daley (groin), Limited
  • S Eric Reid (knee), Limited
  • LB Shaq Thompson (ankle), Limited
  • LB Brian Burns (wrist), Full

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Falcons open as 4.5-point favorites over the Buccaneers in Week 12

The Falcons have looked like a completely different team since coming out of their Week 9 bye. After winning two straight games in dominant fashion, head coach Dan Quinn seems to have figured things out for the time being.

The Falcons have looked like a completely different team since coming out of their Week 9 bye. After winning two straight games in dominant fashion, head coach Dan Quinn seems to have figured things out for the time being.

In Week 12, Atlanta plays its third straight game against an NFC South opponent when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

The Bucs are 3-7, but appear to be trending in the opposite direction during the team’s first year under head coach Bruce Arians. Quarterback Jameis Winston has thrown for an impressive 3,078 yards and 19 touchdown passes, but has also thrown 18 interceptions and has 22 total turnovers in 2019.

The folks over at Bet MGM currently have the Falcons as 4.5-point favorites over Tampa Bay in Week 12, with the over/under for the game set at 51.5.

Atlanta hasn’t been favored to win a game in awhile, but after allowing just 12 points combined over the past two weeks — with four interceptions and 11 sacks — the oddsmakers have finally come around.

We will see if the Falcons can come away with a third straight victory over an NFC South opponent on Sunday.

[Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.]

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