Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: To-Do Checklist for Week 1

3. Disciplined Linebacker Corps 

With two rookie linebackers in Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell expected to get extensive playing time, the Bucs will try at certain moments to overwhelm the linebackers with formations and play-calling. During the all of the first quarters for the Bucs last season, the offense operated 126 run plays to 82 pass attempts. In the second quarter, the offense attempted 149 attempts compared to 103 runs.

The Bucs will try firmly balance the play calling if possible which means not only will the two rookies but Sean Weatherspoon, Phillip Wheeler, and Paul Worrilow will have to maintain the discipline and not bite hard on run fakes while also defend an offense that incorporates their tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and at times wide out Mike Evans in the slot position. Also be aware that the defense incorporates nickel defense a lot. Which means at times you must have two linebackers that are able to cover ground in a hurry.

Next: Exploit A Weakness