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

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) catches a touchdown pass over Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Brent Grimes (24) running back Charles Sims (34) during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks with defenders against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Atlanta Falcons want to keep their strong grasp over the NFC South, the team must beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While the win over the Green Bay Packers may have been a stressful and exasperating experience, it nonetheless placed a victory in the win column and ended a two-game losing streak. The 33-32 victory over the Packers showed a few things that have been a hinderance in recent seasons (limiting big plays, missed tackles) but what it did highlight was the fact that the team can still win a ball game against a formidable opponent without a big day from receiver Julio Jones or versatile running back Tevin Coleman.

So now the team turns their focus to another NFC opponent. One that resides in the NFC South. After a fulfilling week eight win at home, the Falcons head to Tampa Bay on a short week to lock horns with the Buccaneers on Thursday night. To pick up another key victory before their bye week, here is an important checklist for their divisional matchup.

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