Bucs defense gets to QB Matt Ryan, stops run
Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 7 December 2015

Missing the four defensive linemen who started in Week 1, including injured Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy, the Bucs limited the NFL’s No. 5-ranked offense to only one touchdown in Sunday’s 23-19 victory against the Falcons at Raymond James Stadium.

In sweeping the season series against Atlanta — Tampa Bay won 23-20 in overtime on Nov. 1 —the Bucs defense throttled RB Devonta Freeman and never allowed QB Matt Ryan to find a rhythm as Tampa Bay (6-6) won for the fifth time in eight games.

Ryan was sacked three times, including twice by William Gholston, and hurried seven times. Dynamic WR Julio Jones caught only one pass in the second half. “We were down, but this is a next-man-up league,’’ Bucs defensive line coach Joe Cullen said of overcoming injuries that kept McCoy and DE Jacquies Smith out of the game.

“We were able to get to Ryan early. When we played against him the first time, he was able to get to his spot. Not today. Our blitzes were effective, whether we sacked him or not, and we bottled the running game up.’’

A week after holding the Colts to 27 rushing yards on 26 carries, Tampa Bay closed down Freeman’s running lanes. Freeman entered the day averaging 4.6 yards per carry, but gained only 47 yards on 14 attempts Sunday.

“That’s a great defense,’’ Freeman said. “They’re so tough to run on. They run to the ball and everyone understands the system. They go out and they grind — they fight for each other.’’

Ryan hit on 30 of 45 pass attempts, but 10 of those completions went to Freeman for only 56 yards. “Matt Ryan never got comfortable all day,’’ said Bucs CB Alterraun Verner, credited with five tackles. “We took away his first look and our pressure up front took care of the rest.’’