Don't Let Freeman Beat You

The Bucs defense will have a goal that every defense has every week and that is making the opposing offense one dimensional. This is key against a team like Atlanta who has a dangerous offense and is scary good if the running game is working. The Bucs defense must shut down Falcons Rb Devonta Freeman which is no easy task. The Falcons love to run the stretch run and get the opposing d-line moving east and west which opens up the cutback lanes.

Key for the Bucs front seven will be gap control and quick penetration to force Freeman to change direction back into the Bucs defenders. Freeman is dangerous in the open field so tackling will be key to make sure he doesn't break long runs. I would expect the Bucs to throw some run blitzes on first and second down to mix up their front seven looks against the Falcons. If the Bucs can make the Falcons one dimensional and get them in more third and longs, it could be a good day for the defense on Sunday.

Freeman is very talented so this won't be easy as the Bucs D will have to be discipline in their run fits and make sure they tackle well. I think with the Bucs linebacking core in David, Alexander, and Smith they should be able to make plays in the backfield and hopefully keeping Freeman from making a big impact come Sunday.