Josh Freeman vs. Falcons' Defensive Back Seven Throwing the ball deep off play-action run fakes is one of the integral elements of the Bucs' offensive game plan. That's why rookie quarterback Josh Freeman's recent rash of interceptions is so disturbing. Freeman isn't getting picked off on weak throws to the outside or on fades into the corner of the end zone. He's getting intercepted on deep throws down the middle of the field, missing receivers who are wide open. The Bucs are working to detect and correct the mechanical flaws fueling the problem. The Falcons are not an exceptional defensive team, with just 15 interceptions. That number will climb, however, if Freeman doesn't sharpen his delivery on the deep ball. By keeping his balance, stepping into his throws and following through, Freeman can avoid short-circuiting the Bucs' offense and capitalize on scoring chances. Falcons RBs Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood vs. Bucs' Defensive Front Four The Bucs have done a better job stopping the run in recent weeks, but as the first half of last week's game against the Saint proved, the middle of their line still gets gouged now and then. The Falcons are a straight-forward, power-running team that will challenge the middle of the Bucs' defensive front. So, tackles Ryan Sims, Chris Hovan and Roy Miller have to be sharp. The Bucs would love it if those three tackles could consistently penetrate, or at least hold the line of scrimmage and make the tackles themselves. But they really don't have to. The Bucs are back to playing a swarming style of defense, so the front four should have plenty of support. The key to making the support work, though, is to make good initial contact at the point of attack. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Bucs LBs Barrett Ruud and Geno Hayes Roddy White caught the winning touchdown during the first meeting of the season between these teams, but it was the seemingly ageless Tony Gonzalez who had the biggest day. Gonzalez caught nine of the 12 balls thrown to him, including five in the critical fourth quarter. The Bucs have to find a way to neutralize him. Against New Orleans last week, the Bucs did a good job of eliminating the tight end by switching coverages and matching linebacker Geno Hayes on the tight end. Hayes is good in coverage, but the Falcons will be looking for him. So, the Bucs will have to switch back to middle linebacker Barrett Ruud on occasion and hope he can stay with Gonzalez. Roy Cummings, The Tampa Tribune 3 January 2010