Storylines: Falcons at Buccaneers
The Digital Media staff for the Atlanta Falcons meets every Monday morning to discuss potential storylines for the upcoming game. Here are the items the staff is looking to cover this week.
After suffering a foot injury in Week 2 and being placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, Sean Weatherspoon is set to return this week against Tampa Bay. Known for his great attitude and motivating presence on the sidelines, having the linebacker back on the field could be a big source of inspiration for the rest of the team.
WR Roddy White, who returned to the team last week after missing four weeks with an injury, will be going up against Bucs' CB Darrelle Revis. Given they're both arguably some of the top players in their respected positions, the matchup will be one to watch.
The Buccaneers have lost Doug Martin and Mike James, their top two running backs, for the year due to injuries, leaving Doug Rainey to take over the position.
Although Vincent Jackson caught three passes for 28 yards in Week 10 against the Dolphins, he caught ten passes for 138 yards against the Falcons in Week 7. Will the wide receiver be able to repeat his performance against Atlanta in Week 11?
Paul Worrilow earned a spot in the Falcons' record books by posting 19 tackles in Week 9 against the Panthers, and he did it once again against the Seahawks in Week 10. Will the rookie linebacker be able to put up similar numbers for the third straight week?
Punter Matt Bosher has been having a Pro Bowl worthy year, not only punting the ball but also making key tackles on special teams.
After reducing the amount of penalties against Seattle, can the Falcons continue that trend into the second half of the season?
Jonathan Babineaux continues to be one of the most overlooked players on the Falcons roster. The defensive tackle recorded eight tackles against a stingy Seattle Seahawks offensive line in Week 10.
With his sack in the first quarter against the Seahawks, Joplo Bartu now has had at least a half-sack in four of the past five games. He also leads all undrafted rookie defenders in the NFL with 3.5 sacks.
After being signed to the active roster from the practice squad on October 19, rookie wide receiver Darius Johnson caught his first career touchdown pass against the Seahawks, making him one of nine Falcons to catch at least one touchdown pass this season.
Tony Gonzalez suffered a toe injury in the second half of Week 10's game against the Seahawks, but was able to play the rest of the game. The tight end said this week of practice would reveal the extent of his injury, so his status remains unknown.
Despite a 2-7 record, the Falcons refuse to give up and will battle the 1-8 Buccaneers for their first road win of the season.
