ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Falcons have won 4 of the last 5 meetings with the Buccaneers.
However, it’s Tampa Bay who has won the NFC South the past four seasons.
Atlanta’s young defense will be poised with stopping a hot Bucs offense led by Baker Mayfield.
> Falcons WR Darnell Mooney says he feels good but wouldn’t put a percentage on where he is at. When asked if he’s a game time decision, “we’ll see”.
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> — Baillie Burmaster (@baillie\_burm) [September 4, 2025](https://twitter.com/baillie_burm/status/1963693767556280730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
“They are going to challenge us in every single way,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich told media on Thursday. “What an opening game for us for a young defense and guys who have not played a whole lot.”
The Falcons and Bucs both ranked in the top 10 of the NFL in total offense in 2024 season.
This season, Tampa Bay is welcoming a new offensive coordinator in Josh Grizzard.
“He comes from a similar background so I don’t think much will change,” safety Jessie Bates III explained. “I think Baker has a lot of say so over there.”
Tampa Bay is not healthy going into week one.
Meanwhile, receiver Darnell Mooney of the Falcons will be a gametime decision.
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