Jamel Dean, a key defensive starter for the Buccaneers, was sidelined due to injury, significantly impacting the team's defensive performance. His absence was felt as the Buccaneers struggled to contain the Falcons' offense, contributing to a series of defensive lapses throughout the game. Dean's injury has been a part of a troubling trend for Tampa Bay, which has seen multiple key players go down, further complicating their defensive strategies under head coach Todd Bowles.