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

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Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) breaks a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Mike Jenkins (24) during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 23-20 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Attack Tampa’s Secondary

The Falcons picked apart the Bucs secondary in Week 8 last year as Matt Ryan threw for 395 yards along with two touchdowns. Even though Tampa Bay ranked 17th against the pass last season, it’s current secondary doesn’t necessarily put fear in the hearts of offensive coordinators.

Having the athletic freak Julio Jones lined outside against Bucs corners Brent Grimes and Alterraun Verner gives the Falcons a clear advantage. With underwhelming safeties in place such as Chris Conte and Brad McDougald, Jones may possibly be in line for a HUGE day. Not only Jones but #2 receiver Mohamed Sanu will have an opportunity to put up numbers as well. Also, we saw this preseason that new receiver Aldrick Robinson brings the deep threat that the team sorely needed the last couple of seasons. So while the secondary will pay considerable attention to Jones, Robinson himself may bust the game wide open with his deep speed.

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