Atlanta Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Tale of the tape

The quarterbacks

In one corner, we have the experienced and multi-talented Matt Ryan, and in the other we have a rookie at the very beginning of his NFL journey.

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Let’s start with the rookie, Jameis Winston. Winston enters Tampa Bay with lofty expectations after being taken with the draft’s first overall pick back in April. As with any rookie passer, it’s important to keep expectations in check initially.

Everything you would expect from a rookie quarterback has been true of Winston so far this season. At times, he’s been comfortable in the pocket and looked every bit worth the investment. At others, he’s been a turnover machine making sloppy errors.

For the future, the Buccaneers hope they have “The Man”. If they do, Tampa Bay will become a consistent force in the NFC South for years to come. Winston is only 21 years of age, after all.

Then there is Matt Ryan, a former third overall pick. Ryan has been a consistent presence under center for the Falcons, and is easily amongst the best at the position. He’s been struggling for form in recent weeks, by his standards at least. He’ll hope to get things back on track against the Buccaneers.

Next: The offenses