FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Rookie offensive lineman Sam Baker barely finished film review from the Falcons Week 1 victory before shifting attention to the next set of targets.
One look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reminded him of a fundamental truth in the NFL
"The second-string guy here is a lot better than the first-string guy back in college," Baker said Thursday. "We went to work and we've got a good game plan going into Tampa."
Baker, the 21st overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, was named the team's starter at left tackle in the preseason. He quietly took care of business protecting Matt Ryan's blind side and hasn't been singled out for many major mistakes.
The Falcons offensive line gave up just one sack last week that was partially credited to Baker but, with his help, the team out maneuvered the mistake and rushed for a franchise record 318 yards.
"Sam has played very consistently all through the preseason and played extremely well (against the Lions)," Head Coach Mike Smith said. "I know he really enjoys run blocking as well as pass protecting and he did a really nice job."
But extending success along the line into Week 2 won't be easy.
The Buccaneers boast one of the league's more respected defenses and a defensive line featuring names like Kevin Carter, Jovan Haye, Chris Hovan and second-year pass rusher Gaines Adams. Adams and Haye combined for 12 sacks last year, while second-string end Greg White led the team with eight quarterback stops. Tampa's defense allowed less than 4 yards per carry last season.
Baker and the rest of the offensive line are confident they can continue their dominance along the line of scrimmage. Already, the group can rely on its rookie star to get the job done.
"He's a guy that's come in with a tremendous amount of confidence," center Todd McClure said of Baker, who started 49 games at USC. "It's different than any other rookie I've seen come in... You really don't worry about him. You know he's going to listen to what (coaches) say in the meetings and he's going to handle his business out there."
The Bucs will be hungry for a division victory after losing at New Orleans last week. But Baker, who isn't getting as much publicity given the team's high-profile rookie quarterback, is equally eager to continue his development and impact.
"You always have to get better," He said. "We're going to work. This is a big game on the road. I've never been on the road in the NFL so it should be a good experience."
STAYING ON COURSE: The Falcons defense benefited from an early, 21-0 lead last week and a consistent effort on the other side of the football. The unit ended the game feeling good about the victory, but knowing improvements could be made.
The announcement that Brian Griese will start at quarterback for Tampa Bay in place of the more mobile Jeff Garcia adjusts the game plan heading into this week but does little to change the hunger for a more dominant performance.
"It's always going to feel better coming off a win," said defensive end John Abraham, who posted three sacks last week. "A lot of time people get stuck in a win and forget about the game coming up but we know Tampa Bay is going to be strong."
Tampa Bay running backs Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn combined for 145 rushing yards last week on just 19 carries -- a curious lack of touches given the team's success on the ground. The Bucs punted on seven of their first eight possessions, but did get a later score off a touchdown pass from Garcia to Ike Hilliard.
The Falcons are particularly interested in the team's running backs.
"I think they will definitely try to make mismatches with our linebackers in the passing game against Warrick because he's such a dynamic player and can do a lot of things," linebacker Keith Brooking said of Dunn, who played for the Falcons from 2002 to 2007.
Offensively, the Falcons may have more opportunities through the air. The Bucs have talented cornerbacks in Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon, but gave up 343 passing yards a week ago, including touchdowns of 39, 84 and 42 yards.
“This week is very similar to what happened defensively against Detroit because they came out of the same system," Smith said. "There will be a wrinkle or two. Coach (Monte) Kiffin has been in this league for a very long time and he is one of the top defensive coaches ever. I think he will have something to present to us on Sunday that we haven’t seen.”
Ryan said he's leaned on veterans in preparing for a division opponent.
"Those guys have notes adding up for a couple of years," he said. "Their experience certainly helps going against the same coordinator. We certainly have our work cut out for us because we're going against a good defense."
SHUFFLING THE CARDS: Garcia may not be the only Buccaneer missing Sunday's game due to injury. Veteran linebacker Derrick Brooks (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and is in danger of missing the first game of his 14-year career.
Only two Falcons carried over from the Week 1 edition of the Saint Joseph's Injury Report (Coy Wire and Alex Stepanovich). Kicker Jason Elam (hip) was added on Thursday.
An injury to Brooks could affect the way the Buccaneers align their defense. Cato June could switch from strong-side to weak-side linebacker. Of course, Falcons players are preparing for the Pro Bowler. Even if he doesn't play, the team must contend with the speed of the Bucs defense.
"It doesn't change because the guys behind him are just as fast," wide receiver Michael Jenkins said. "(But) Derrick Brooks obviously is the leader of their defense... We'll prepare like he's playing."
THE SKINNY: Avoiding a Week 2 letdown has been on the mind of every Falcons player and coach this week. While record-setting numbers on offense may be tough to recreate, the Falcons aren't going to back down from establishing their new identity.
"I want to show everyone that (Sunday) was no fluke," fullback Ovie Mughelli said. "That's who we are. That's what we're going to be every game. I'm looking forward to doing it again, again and again. We're an offense that needs to be taken seriously. People don't believe that but they're going to have to start believing that if we show them over and over again what we can do."
NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Some numerals, news and colors to get you ready for Sunday's game against the Bucs...
- The Falcons are one of four teams tied for the league lead in turnover differential (+1).
- Brooking has started 113 straight games.
- Running back Jerious Norwood has topped 100 combined yards (rushing, receiving, returning) in four straight games.
- Elam has connected on 17 consecutive field goals.
- Abraham is now the proud owner of 70.5 career sacks.
- There are seven rookies on the Falcons roster and 13 free agent additions from 2008.
- Tampa Bay leads the series with the Falcons 17-12 with the Falcons winning six times on the road.
MORE FALCONS-BUCS COVERAGE:
- NFL.COM: Falcons-Bucs Preview
- FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday's game
- ASK THE COACH: Ray Hamilton talks about the role of the defensive line this week
- NOTEBOOK: Clarification arrives on Bucs quarterback situation
- VIDEO: Brian Finneran | Michael Boley
- INJURY REPORT: Injury news from the Falcons and Bucs
- BEHIND THE SCENES: From the Training Room | From the Strength Training Room
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Norwood | Brooking | Houston | Turner
- FOE AUDIO: Bucs head coach Jon Gruden | Bucs running back Warrick Dunn
- COMMUNITY: Falcons visit troops at Fort Gordon
- FEATURE: Elementary students create pro-style atmosphere
- NEWS: Turner named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
