TAMPA, Fla. – It was a short week for the Bucs coming off a win over the Eagles, but Tampa Bay had no time to rest, having to get ready to play the Falcons in Atlanta Thursday night. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles says he feels good about his team’s preparation.
“Yeah, I do,” Bowles said after practice Thursday. “It’s a Thursday game. We knew that at the beginning of the season.”
Read: Buccaneers Triumph Over Eagles In Dominant 33-16 Victory
The 3-1 Bucs are facing one of their rivals in the Atlanta Falcons. Both teams know each other but Atlanta has a new head coach, a new quarterback and a new scheme.
“They’re different offensively and defensively, Bowles said. “They’re playing faster, and they’re playing with a lot of confidence. They’ve added quite a few guys. They’ve got a lot of talent over there.”
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off one of his better games in the win over the Eagles. Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen noticed a big difference in Mayfield last Sunday compared to a week ago when the Bucs were upset by the Denver Broncos.
Listen: Rock Riley: Bucs Pro Football HOF’er Ronde Barber Plus Rock’s Stories
“He (Mayfield) was sharp,” Coen said. “We were all really on the same page about the plan. The guys did a really good job of executing, especially early on.”
A number of Bucs players, including Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans, believe that’s the key for the Bucs to be successful the rest of the season. Start fast and play physical15. The Bucs will be without defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, safety Atnoine Winfield Jr., right tackle Luke Goedke and wide receivers Troy Palmer and Jalen McMillan.
Kickoff in Atlanta is at 8:15 pm.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.