Bucs-Falcons key matchups

Bucs LB Barrett Ruud vs. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez

More than a third of the passes thrown by Saints QB Drew Brees last week were aimed at tight ends. The Saints obviously saw something to exploit in the middle of the Bucs' defense. The Falcons could do the same.

Tony Gonzalez is one of Falcons QB Matt Ryan's favorite targets. He is the most dangerous player in the Falcons' offense because he can beat anyone the Bucs put on him. Though he's lost a step of speed, Gonzalez hasn't lost his quickness or ability to explode into a sprint after the catch. That's where he has the edge on Barrett Ruud.

Ruud does a good job of dropping deep in coverage and reading the quarterback's eyes but is not real explosive when reacting to a play and driving on it. Ruud will need help from the safeties and to be sure in his tackling to limit Gonzalez's effectiveness.

Bucs SS Sabby Piscitelli vs. Falcons RB Michael Turner

The Bucs have been horrid against the run this year, largely because of missed tackles. The Bucs have let a lot of potential run stuffs slip through their hands because they took bad angles or displayed poor technique.

That has to change and one of the players who has to be at the front of that change is Sabby Piscitelli. He's certainly not the only culprit in the Bucs' struggles against the run this year, but he is one of the more identifiable ones.

Piscitelli has good speed and instincts, and he usually does a good job of locating the ball and getting into position to make a big play. But he can't whiff on tackles.

The Falcons' running game is not at full strength. Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood have been hurting in recent weeks. Turner should be back today, but his sore ankle may limit his effectiveness. The Bucs can further limit him by being sure tacklers and taking advantage of their big-play opportunities.

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant vs. Falcons CB Chris Houston

This has been a tough year for Antonio Bryant. A sore knee has prohibited him from playing at the high level he did a year ago, but he may be on the brink of a breakthrough.

Bryant says his knee is feeling better than at any other time this year and he has to be feeling good about the possibilities that come from working with rookie QB Josh Freeman. He has a big arm and the presence to keep his eyes downfield against a heavy rush. That's the kind of passer that receivers like Bryant work extra hard for.

Freeman and Bryant are still developing their chemistry, but with opponents doing all they can to limit the number of times the Bucs go to TE Kellen Winslow, Bryant's opportunities are sure to increase.

For Bryant to make an impact today, he'll probably have to beat Chris Houston, which might not be easy. Houston doesn't have great size, but he has the skill to cover any receiver. Houston presses receivers at the line but has a tendency to bite on fakes. If Freeman can help Bryant by looking off him and delivering pump fakes to other receivers, Bryant could have a big day.