Gojo and Golic: “What if the Falcons Win/Lose Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?” (Part 2)
The NFC South remains one of the NFL’s most unpredictable divisions, and as the Atlanta Falcons prepare for a critical clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both teams know just how high the stakes are. With Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr. (Gojo) hosting their iconic podcast, they take another deep dive into the implications of this pivotal game. For Falcons and Buccaneers fans, this game is more than just a divisional matchup—it’s a turning point. Here’s what Gojo and Golic think could happen if the Falcons win or lose.
If the Falcons Win
1. Division Dominance on the Horizon
Gojo believes that if the Falcons pull out a victory, it could be a huge step toward claiming NFC South supremacy. Currently neck-and-neck with the Bucs in the standings, a win would allow Atlanta to take control and potentially keep it going forward. Both Gojo and Golic highlight the Falcons’ offensive game plan, which focuses heavily on their elite ground attack with Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and dual-threat QB Desmond Ridder.
2. Boosted Confidence for Ridder
Golic points out that a win here could do wonders for Desmond Ridder’s confidence. He has shown moments of growth but remains a bit inconsistent. Facing off against a solid Tampa Bay defense, a strong performance in this game could reinforce his position as the Falcons’ franchise quarterback. Golic suggests that Ridder has the tools but needs a defining win, and taking down the Bucs could be just that moment.
3. Building Momentum
Gojo emphasizes that winning tough divisional games early on could set Atlanta up for a serious run. The Falcons have a mix of veterans and emerging stars, but they need to start building momentum for the grueling weeks ahead. A win here not only strengthens their NFC South standing but also helps morale as they look toward playoff contention.
—
If the Falcons Lose
1. Major Setback in Division Race
If the Falcons fall to Tampa Bay, Golic and Gojo agree that it could have serious repercussions. They both stress that the NFC South is too tight to allow for many errors, and a loss would hurt the Falcons’ chances of winning the division. Gojo adds that with teams like New Orleans still competitive, this is not a division where you want to lose ground early on.
2. Questions about Ridder’s Role
Another loss would inevitably bring up questions about Desmond Ridder’s ability to handle high-stakes games. Golic warns that if Ridder can’t step up in these pressure-filled situations, the Falcons may need to consider their long-term strategy at quarterback. A loss might mean a step backward for Ridder, especially if his performance becomes a liability in the game.
3. The Bijan Robinson Dilemma
The Falcons have been leaning on their rushing game, particularly rookie Bijan Robinson, who has shown flashes of brilliance. Gojo argues that in the event of a loss, the coaching staff may need to rethink their offensive approach, particularly if Tampa Bay’s defense manages to neutralize Robinson. If Atlanta becomes too predictable, it could spell trouble down the road, and a loss here would amplify that need for offensive adaptability.
Key Matchups to Watch
Falcons offensive Line vs. Buccaneers Pass Rush
Both Gojo and Golic agree that this matchup could determine the outcome of the game. The Buccaneers have one of the most aggressive pass rushes in the NFL, led by veterans like Vita Vea and Shaquil Barrett. If the Falcons’ offensive line can’t hold up, Ridder may face constant pressure, forcing him into poor decisions and potentially costly turnovers.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin vs. Falcons Secondary
The Falcons’ defense has been solid this season, but they’ll be facing one of the league’s best receiving duos in Evans and Godwin. Golic stresses that containing these two playmakers is critical if Atlanta wants to keep Tampa Bay’s scoring in check. A win or loss could come down to whether the Falcons’ secondary can limit Evans’ deep-ball potential and Godwin’s versatility in the slot.
Gojo and Golic’s Final Thoughts
As the podcast wraps up, both Gojo and Golic underscore the game’s playoff-like intensity. They reiterate that, win or lose, this game will be pivotal in shaping the rest of the Falcons’ season and perhaps even the NFC South standings. Both teams are likely to leave it all on the field, knowing that a divisional win here could mean a huge step toward a playoff berth come January.
So, what will it be for Atlanta? A win that fuels their playoff aspirations or a loss that forces some serious soul-searching? According to Gojo and Golic, Sunday will reveal which version of the Falcons is ready to contend and which still has work to do.
