Atlanta Falcons vs Bucs predictions: Week 12 a third win in a row?
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Erik Sandelin
Breakdown: My biggest concern here is this turning in to a trap game for the Falcons. Despite winning their last two games, the Buccaneers have been a big disappointment this season. I thought they’d contend for a wildcard berth. Instead, they could end up costing their head coach Dirk Koetter his job. The additions of DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin haven’t sparked the offense as expected, and the defense has failed to play as well as one would think.
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Given all that, plus Atlanta’s thrashing of Dallas two weeks ago and then beating the Seahawks in Seattle this past Monday night, I could see Dan Quinn’s crew being a little overconfident come this Sunday. Additionally, the Falcons have a huge game against the streaking Minnesota Vikings on December 3. Could the Dirty Birds get caught looking past Tampa Bay in anticipation of hosting Minnesota?
I don’t think that will happen. I give Quinn credit for being a better coach than that, and the Brotherhood the players have developed keeping everyone grounded. This could be the game where Matty Ice finally goes off, as the Bucs have allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for 2763 yards and a 17 – 9 touchdown-to-interception ration. They only have 15 sacks, and they’re letting opponents complete 66.7% of their passes and a 96.0 passer rating. They’re better against the run, so Tevin Coleman could have a rough going, though.
Prediction: Atlanta 34, Tampa Bay 21