Falcons vs. Buccaneers GAMEDAY Preview: Rookie Drake London Due For Career Day?
Drake London will play the final game of his rookie campaign this afternoon when the Atlanta Falcons (6-10) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Week 18 contest could bring all of London's lessons full circle, which could lead to a big day for the rookie wide receiver.
London's inability to take care of the ball plagued his previous two performances before the Falcons' 20-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. His improvements were the latest example of London applying the lessons learned to help his on-field production.
"You can go through any kind of turnover and there's usually a reason, a variable, or a why," offensive coordinator Dave Ragone said. "Understand the most important thing when you have that ball in your possession is the ball.
"Drake, I thought, just like a lot of our players this year, have reacted in a positive way, and guys around them have supported them, more importantly. And that's when you truly have a supportive team."
London had recorded a fumble in two consecutive games before facing the Cardinals on Sunday. One of his fumbles came at a crucial moment during the Falcons' Week 15 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Against Arizona, he finished the day with no fumbles while catching five balls for 47 yards.
Whether it was his health or seeking a greater role within Atlanta's offense, London has illustrated improvements each week.
And perhaps, 17 weeks of schooling could lead to the USC product recapturing the magic that made Falcons fans believe that London could take the helm as Atlanta's next great receiver after Julio Jones.
"I think it's one of those things where you go out each day, you see the fundamental work they put in — you see the drill work," Ragone said. "The repetition of doing something over and over and over, that's how you gain confidence."
London's best game of the season is arguably his Week 2 performance against the Los Angeles Rams. He finished with 86 yards on eight catches and a touchdown, but the Falcons sustained a 31-27 loss to the Rams.
He'll have one last chance to leave an impression on his rookie campaign today when the Falcons host the Bucs. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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