The Falcons host the Buccaneers on Sunday in a game that could decide the NFC South. With a win, Atlanta will have a virtual two-game lead over the Saints, which could grow to a three-game lead if the Saints fail to beat the lowly Panthers. However, if the Falcons lose on Sunday, they will fall to second place.
It’s a home game against a division rival with a lot riding on it. That hasn’t happened in a long time for the Falcons in December, but they could be without a slew of starters on Sunday.
Drew Dalman was upgraded to a limited practice participant due to an ankle injury. Hopefully, he’ll be fine, as he’s developed into one of the league’s top centers in his third season. Jeff Okudah, Nate Landman, Kaleb McGary, and David Onyemata, on the other hand, did not practice, and star corner A.J. Terrell remains in concussion protocol.
The Falcons may have to rely on a slew of backups in one of the most important games to date, with some situations not as dire as others.
Clark Phillips and veteran Tre Flowers saw action in place of Okudah and Terrell. The former played well against the Jets, but the Bucs’ larger receivers and more capable passing attack should pose a challenge.
Flowers started the season while Okudah returned from injury and had some forgettable moments. Against Tampa, the big-bodied corner is a much better option than Mike Hughes.
Andre Smith came in for Landman and held his own, even recovering a forced fumble. A linebacker isn’t as valuable as a cornerback, but losing Landman would be devastating.
One could argue that with Storm Norton replacing McGary last week, there was little to no drop-off. Was this due to the small sample size, or is Norton capable of starting in a pinch? We may see this on Sunday.
The loss of Onyemata would be devastating for a unit that has already lost Grady Jarrett. The Falcons may be welcoming back LaCale London, who has a 21-day practice window, but Atlanta is a much better defense with Onyemata.
The Falcons appear to be confident that some of these players will play, but it appears that at least one or two will miss the team’s divisional matchup.
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