Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Friday, Sept. 17

It’s Friday and we’ve got some links ahead of Atlanta’s road clash with Tampa Bay.

Bucs on deck for Week 2

After the 32-6 dismantling at the hands of the Eagles in Week 1, the Falcons could use a simple, get-it-together game. Like scheduling the Santa Cruz Banana Slugs to regroup and refocus. The NFL schedulers did not consider this, as the Falcons face the reigning Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road on Sunday.

Swell.

Comparing the stats from Week 1, the Bucs have the advantage in most metrics.

If the Falcons do not rebound in a stunning fashion they’re staring 0-2 right in the face.

Once more, they appear fully healthy ahead of their Sunday tilt, although wide receiver Frank Darby was limited in Thursday’s practice.

Big question: Can Kyle Pitts give Tampa fits?

The Falcons’ 2021 first-round selection was largely absent in Atlanta’s first contest. He managed four catches for 31 yards — not the kind of debut you were looking for.

It goes without saying that the Falcons have to get Pitts more involved against Tampa. Will Sunday be the day?

Hardships & Expectations

New head coach Arthur Smith and new GM Terry Fontenot had lofty expectations heading in the Atlanta Falcons’ debut last weekend. Those clearly fell short, but growing pains were always going to be a part of this process.

They didn’t need to hurt that bad, however.

The Falcons are in a glaring period of transition — regardless of how the top brass wants to market it. With that, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a new regime, with new players, and temper your expectations accordingly.

Watching at home

So how do ya’ll Falcoholics choose to enjoy this team whilst watching at home? Evan prefers nachos, I prefer corn whiskey. We all have our vices.

Previewing Sunday with The Falcoholic Podcast

Ahead of Sunday’s divisional game against the Bucs, The Falcoholic Podcast crew were joined by Bucs Nation podcast host Trey Downey to discuss the match-up ahead.