Buccaneers-Falcons Preview
| SCOUTING REPORT |
The Bucs will put pressure on Harrington all gameWhile the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off their bye week the Atlanta Falcons have won two games in a row and kept themselves alive in the NFC South divisional race. The division is up for grabs and with a victory at home the Falcons will be just a half a game behind the Buccaneers. It appears that the Falcons have settled in well after a rocky start putting a good mix of run and pass together on offense along with a bend-but-don't-break defense. Look for a spirited battle between NFC South clubs that will have a huge impact on divisional race. |
· Full Scouting Report 
|
| Matchup |
| | W-L | PF | PA | HOME | ROAD | DIV | CONF |
| TAM | 9-7 | 334 | 270 | 6-2 | 3-5 | 5-1 | 8-4 |
| ATL | 4-12 | 259 | 414 | 3-5 | 1-7 | 1-5 | 3-9 |
| · Complete Standings |
| | Atlanta Passing | | | CMP% | YDS | TD | INT | | Ryan | 59.3 | 2276 | 16 | 12 |
|
| TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS |
| TEAM OFFENSE | TEAM | PER GAME AVERAGE |
| Total Yards | TAM | 327.0 |
| ATL | 301.0 |
| Yards Passing | TAM | 209.8 |
| ATL | 206.0 |
| Yards Rushing | TAM | 117.0 |
| ATL | 95.0 |
| TEAM DEFENSE | TEAM | PER GAME AVERAGE |
| Yards Allowed | TAM | 278.4 |
| ATL | 355.5 |
| Pass Yds Allowed | TAM | 170.5 |
| ATL | 228.4 |
| Rush Yds Allowed | TAM | 107.9 |
| ATL | 127.1 |
| HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001) |
| Tampa Bay leads 8-4 |
| Dec 10, 2006 | TAM 6, @ATL 17 |
| Sep 17, 2006 | TAM 3, ATL 14 |
| Dec 24, 2005 | TAM 27, @ATL 24 |
| Nov 20, 2005 | TAM 30, ATL 27 |
| Dec 5, 2004 | TAM 27, @ATL 0 |
| Nov 14, 2004 | TAM 14, ATL 24 |
| Dec 20, 2003 | TAM 28, @ATL 30 |
| Sep 21, 2003 | TAM 31, ATL 10 |
| Dec 8, 2002 | TAM 34, @ATL 10 |
| Oct 6, 2002 | TAM 20, ATL 6 |
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ATLANTA (AP) -- Byron Leftwich was starting at quarterback Sunday for the Falcons against the Buccaneers ahead of Joey Harrington, who had led Atlanta to two straight wins.
Coach Bobby Petrino did not announce a starter during the week, though he confirmed earlier statements that Leftwich, returning from an ankle injury, is the team's starter when healthy.
Tampa Bay running backs Earnest Graham and Michael Pittman were active after being listed as questionable this week due to ankle injuries. In a surprise, running back Michael Bennett was inactive even though he was not included on the team's last injury report.
Bennett, acquired on Oct. 16 in a trade with Kansas City, has played in three games with one start for Tampa Bay. He had five carries for 12 yards against Arizona in Tampa Bay's last game on Nov. 4.
Starting defensive end Greg Spires (calf) also was inactive for Tampa Bay, but receiver Michael Clayton (ankle) was expected to play.
Falcons receiver Joe Horn, who had been listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, was inactive. Running back Jerious Norwood (ankle) and offensive tackle Todd Weiner (knee) were active.
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Tampa Bay 31, 
Atlanta 7