Hopes, dreams and endless possibilities. The NFL is back.
It has been 241 days since the Atlanta Falcons last played a game. The long wait is finally over.
They return to action at home, hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a marquee NFC South showdown.
Many pundits consider the two sides to be the contenders in the division.
Atlanta enters with high expectations after a busy offseason. Tampa Bay looks to start strong and defend their division crown.
It is only Week 1, but Falcons fans will still feel a bitterness after losing a division they feel as though they handed to the Buccaneers last time out.
Michael Penix Jr’s time to shine
All eyes in Atlanta are on one player this Sunday: Michael Penix Jr.
The first-round draft pick played second string to veteran QB Kirk Cousins for the majority of 2024.
However, with Head Coach Raheem Morris making him his first choice for the forthcoming campaign, many place the hopes of the organisation on his shoulders.
Falcons prioritise defense in the offseason
The big focus this offseason for the Falcons’ head office has been their defense.
Having ranked 23rd in the NFL last time out, the Dirty Birds wasted no time in hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their new Defensive Coordinator.
Ulbrich was given two additions in the first round of the NFL draft, taking Jalen Walker and James Pearce Jr.
Bucs hope to build on 2024 success
Tampa Bay sealed the NFC South last season, eventually falling short to an agonising 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders.
The Bucs’ biggest strength comes from their offensive balance. Baker Mayfield has finally found his feet in the NFL and has hit levels that most knew he could easily achieve.
With weapons like Bucky Irving and Cade Otton, alongside veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, Mayfield has a great array of options.
On the other hand, the Bucs do have some defensive frailties. Their middle-of-the-field coverage leaves a lot to be desired, an area that the Falcons will be trying to take advantage of.
Where will it be won and lost?
For many, this season opener will be defined by the Falcons’ offensive line.
If they can deal with Tampa’s elite pass rushers and protect Penix Jr, then they have the weapons to seriously hurt Tampa Bay.
This Falcons offense has the quality to punish any team in the league.
As proved in their last two matchups, the Falcons have the ability to take this game to the Bucs and put 30+ points on the board.
Tale of the tape
Quarterbacks: Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) | Baker Mayfield (TB)
WR1 and WR2: Drake London (ATL), Darnell Mooney (ATL) | Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin Jr (TB)
Running Backs: Bijan Robinson (ATL) | Bucky Irving (TB)
Head Coach: Raheem Morris (ATL) | Todd Bowles (TB)
Offensive Coordinator: Zac Robinson (ATL) | Josh Grizzard (TB)
Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Ulbrich (ATL) | Todd Bowles (Acting, TB)
2024 Record: Atlanta Falcons (8-9) | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
2025 Round 1 Pick: Jalen Walker (ATL), James Pearce (ATL) | Emeka Egbuka (TB)
2024 Results: Falcons 31-26 Buccaneers | Buccaneers 30-36 Falcons
