Tampa, Florida - (MP)

Coming off a loss from the Titans, the Buccaneers face there second greatest challenge within a weeks span. Just as the Titans walkout of victories door, the Falcons sneak in for our Week 4 Game of the Week as the Buccaneers (2-1) face off against the Falcons (2-0)

The Falcons led by Coach Dajo hope that the swift of foot Michael Vick can manage to allude the quickest defense in Madden Football. Last week Vick was a non factor as Vick was injured early on, but Dajo showed in a 20-7 victory, its not all Vick as the defense only allowed 1 touchdown in 7 Red zone attempts. But when Vick is in the game he can be dangerous on the ground and in the air, as in his week 1 game against the Panthers he laid down impressive number on the ground with 81 yards on 10 attempts, while throwing for 108 yards with 3 Touchdowns and 0 interceptions. If you would look at Vicks ratings they don’t impress you as he is a (78) overall, thats 18th best among Quarterbacks in Madden. His Awareness is in the mid sixties and his throwing accuracy is only a (75), but what makes up for those low numbers is his speed (88) and throwing power (92). With those rating the game plan you’d think would be to keep Vick in the pocket, make him throw more and you’ll get your chances at some picks. Vick only needed to throw the ball 17 times against the Panthers, if you are able to get him to throw more then that there in lies your possible success against the Falcons.

If there is a teams defense that can keep up with Vick, it’s the Buccaneers. With a overall defensive rating of (93) one would think that an offense would have trouble scoring some points against the Buccaneers and the Buccaneers are keeping to that formula as they have let up little against their two past opponents prior to their week one match-up against the Titans. In games against Saints and Jaguars the defense had only given up 10 points, but when the defense faced the likes of the Super Bowl Champions, they where a shell of the stingy defense of the past two weeks as they gave up 37 to the Titans in a Week 3 showdown of undefeated.

One game does not make a season, so what they can do against Vick will be a strong indication of what this defense is capable of.

On offense, the Buccaneers have something of a dangerous weapon in Keyshawn Johnson. His height and ability to catch the ball is only rivaled by Terrell Ownes and Randy Moss. Though Johnson is rated 6th amongst wide receivers, his overall rating of (92) is a product of having a (95) rating in catching the ball and (92) in awareness. You might not think that awareness is a big deal, but allow me to explain what this attribute means. In lament terms, he’ll get open. If the QB is on the run, Johnson will know to hit a comeback or streak across field towards the rolled out quarterback, this is key for those defenses that think they can rush a low rated quarterback in Shawn King (68), he’ll find Johnson, or should you say Johnson will find the ball.
If Vick can be contained properly, which the quick Buccaneers defense should be able to do from time to time, you’ll see the Buccaneers win this one in a close one.
Buccaneers over the Falcons 24-17.