The Falcons need to be near full strength for the opener. They’re hosting the reigning NFC South champion Buccaneers, who revamped an ailing defense over the offseason.

The intensity from the early part of Atlanta Falcons training camp took another step up with the pads coming on.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t appear as a Super Bowl contender to football experts. However, don’t be surprised when it’s ...