An NFC South Showdown Preview of Thursday Night Football
Tonight’s game on Thursday Night Football will be a duel between the two best teams in the NFC South. The Buccaneers are riding into this game on a high note as they are out to a hot 3-1 start to the young NFL season. With Baker Mayfield in control of this team, as the clear franchise quarterback, the Buccaneers are looking to extend their lead in the division with a strong performance tonight. The Falcons, at 2-2, are coming off a thrilling win against the Saints and they are now looking to usurp control of the NFC South from the Buccaneers. So what can we expect in this primetime matchup?
Who has the Quarterback Edge?
Baker Mayfield has been on fire to start the season as he has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards, eight touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He has been slinging the football with confidence and that has really given a boost to the Buccaneers’ offense. Kirk Cousins has not had the start that he was hoping for to start the season with his new squad. With the Falcons being 2-2, there is a lot of room for improvement, especially for Kirk Cousins who has thrown four interceptions and fumbled the ball another four times. Cousins needs to get rid of the ball quicker and make Drake London and Kyle Pitts a bigger focus in this offense if they are looking to have success in this game. In this matchup, Baker Mayfield should prove he is the better quarterback.
Key for the Falcons: Run the BALL!
The Falcons bolster one of the most dynamic backfields in the entire NFL with Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson running the show. This running game will determine how well this offense performs in this game. If the Falcons are able to run the ball effectively, they will be able to work out of play-action and get big plays down the field with a reduced pass rush. Additionally, the Buccaneers are one of the worst teams against the run this year, giving up an average of five yards per carry.
Key for the Buccaneers: Let Baker Bake!
Baker Mayfield has had a resurgence in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. He has soared past anyone's wildest expectations of him, and now finds himself at the seventh-best odds to win the NFL MVP award! Offensively, this team hasn’t been able to run the ball very well, but that has been alright because Baker Mayfield has dominated through the air with the sixth most passing yards in the league currently. This will be a big test for Baker Mayfield as the Falcons’ defense has held opposing quarterbacks to 795 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. This Falcons secondary is tough, but if Baker can turn this game into a shootout, the Falcons may have trouble keeping pace.
