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We've spent a lot of time breaking down the last week and considering the state of the Falcons this week, which makes sense when they're sitting at 2-7. What lies ahead? We don't know, but it doesn't exactly inspire hope.
Right now, the Falcons are one of the three worst team in the NFC. The only teams seriously competing with them are the Vikings and the Buccaneers, the 1-8 squad that the Falcons get to play this week. If you were looking for an ugly football game this week, you're likely to find it here.
For a variety of reasons, both the Bucs and Falcons are going to view this as a must-win. For the Falcons, it's one of the few games left that they project to have a real shot at winning, given their injuries and general ineptitude. For the Buccaneers, it's simple: Start winning games to save jobs. Greg Schiano has to build something significant to hang on, and Mike Glennon has to improve rapidly or he's likely to be supplanted by a young quarterback next year. There's more riding on this game than you might be inclined to think for these Buccaneers.
It goes without saying that this won't be pretty. The Falcons were able to line Darius Johnson up against Darrelle Revis the last time these two teams met, but I doubt that's going to work a second time. The Falcons could also be without Tony Gonzalez. Roddy White is likely to be something a little short of 100% yet again. Couple that with Matt Ryan's recent performances and the continually suspect line, and you've got a recipe for a rough one.
I'll open it up to you, though. How do you think this game will turn out?