Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Smith says Freeman running Bucs' offense "extremely well"

With a three-game lead heading in to Sunday's match up with Tampa Bay, the Atlanta Falcons can all but wrap up the NFC South with a win over the Buccaneers. It won't be an easy task as the Bucs have won four games straight, led by the improved play of quarterback Josh Freeman. Falcons head coach Mike Smith discussed Freeman's play at his Wednesday press conference, saying the fourth-year quarterback has cut down on his negative yardage plays.

"He's running the offense extremely well," said Smith. "They're scoring a lot of points, and they're doing it both running and throwing the ball. I think he's throwing with more accuracy. I don't think he's taking off and running with it as much. When he does he's running effectively."

Smith also praised the work of first-year head coach Greg Schiano, saying that the former Rutgers coach has the Buccaneers playing with a lot of passion and energy. Kickoff for Sunday's game is set for 1 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.