Game Preview
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
sunday, september 14, 2008 - 4:05 pm
*Revamped Falcons look to build on early success at Buccaneers*
Atlanta (1-0) at Tampa Bay (0-1), 4:05 pm EDT
TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- In the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons paid for a revamped ground game and a passing attack with immense potential. It appears they cashed in on both already.
Coming off an impressive win in the regular-season's opener, the Falcons look to get more production from running back Michael Turner and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Turner made his first start as a Falcon and rolled up 220 yards - the team's single-game rushing record - while Ryan tossed a touchdown on his first career pass en route to 162 yards as Atlanta rolled to a 34-21 triumph over the Detroit Lions.
After four years as a backup to LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, Turner inked a six-year, $34.5 million contract in March, and it didn't take long for him to impress in his debut, unleashing 117 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone. He broke off a 66-yard touchdown run to follow Ryan's 62-yard scoring strike, helping the Falcons jump out to a 21-0 lead.
Turner combined with Jerious Norwood (93 yards, 14 carries) to give the Falcons a team-record 318 rushing yards overall.
Despite the electric showing from a rejuvenated running scheme, Ryan generated a lot of much-deserved buzz as well. The former Boston College standout was selected third overall by Atlanta - which finished 4-12 in 2007 - with hopes of him turning into a leader the team once had in Michael Vick.
"He was very composed," Falcons coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He was very calm, cool and collected. We knew he had the skill set as far as throwing the football, running and operating an offense. I thought Matt did a very good job."
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers' opener didn't go so well. Quarterback Jeff Garcia, who completed 24-of-41 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and one interception, sprained an ankle during their 24-20 loss at New Orleans and is questionable for Sunday. If he is unable to play, Brian Griese likely will get the nod.
Tampa Bay rushed for 146 yards, with Earnest Graham leading the way with 91 yards on 10 carries and Warrick Dunn, a former Falcon, gaining 54 yards on nine attempts.
Still, the Buccaneers will need to find a way to contain the Falcons' offensive attack.
"We are going to have to tackle extremely well this week," Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said.