Falcons full comeback as Bucs drop from first in NFC South

TAMPA, Fla. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris challenged his group Monday to struggle. There had been a major lack of that in current weeks, with the Falcons dealing with a brief week in opposition to an NFC South rival.

On Thursday night time in prime time, they confirmed that struggle. The Falcons got here again from a 14-point deficit within the third quarter to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-28 at Raymond James Stadium. Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez made a 43-yard area objective as time expired to win it.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins was 30-of-44 for 373 yards and three touchdowns. Working again Bijan Robinson had 19 carries for 93 yards and one other 82 receiving yards on eight catches. Tight finish Kyle Pitts Sr. exploded for 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

This loss was a giant blow for the Buccaneers, who’re battling the Carolina Panthers for the NFC South crown. Tampa falls half a sport behind Carolina with three weeks to go.

Tampa Bay has received as soon as in its previous six video games, whereas Atlanta received simply its second sport in its previous 9.

Listed below are a very powerful issues to know from Thursday night time for each groups:

Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

QB efficiency: Kirk Cousins had the 2 finest video games of his 2024 season in opposition to the Bucs. That success in opposition to Tampa Bay continued Thursday night time. Cousins had over 150 yards with two touchdowns within the first half for the third straight time in opposition to the Falcons’ division rival.

Stat to know: Pitts had his first 100-yard receiving sport since his rookie season in 2021. Pitts went off within the first half, the sort of efficiency the Falcons desperately wanted with out Drake London (knee). It was the primary time a Falcons participant had 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a half since Calvin Ridley in 2018.

Largest gap within the sport plan: The Falcons aren’t making the playoffs and will not have a successful season. What the teaching workers needed most from the group over the ultimate few weeks was a clear operation. Thursday night time was something however. Atlanta had 10 penalties within the first half, the group’s most in a half since 1984. Nonetheless, Atlanta overcame committing 19 accepted penalties, essentially the most in franchise historical past and essentially the most by any group this season. — Marc Raimondi

Subsequent sport: at Arizona Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET, Dec. 21)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)

The Bucs had been so distraught from the late-game occasions that receiver Mike Evans — making his return from a Week 7 damaged collarbone — walked into the tunnel earlier than the successful kick, with a number of others following, based on ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The house followers conveyed their disapproval with loud boos that carried on for minutes after the sport. After beginning the season 5-1, the Bucs have fallen to 7-7, and may the Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Bucs’ possibilities to win the NFC South drop to 35%, based on ESPN Analysis. Ought to Carolina lose, the Bucs would nonetheless have a 76% probability to win the division.

Turning level: With 8:28 to go in regulation, Dee Alford intercepted Mayfield’s cross that was supposed for Evans on the Falcons’ 33-yard line — with the Falcons trailing 28-20. Inside linebacker Lavonte David compelled a Darnell Mooney fumble on the Bucs’ 9-yard line, and although it seemed to be smothered by a Buccaneer defender, officers deemed it was Atlanta’s ball — establishing a 7-yard landing to Pitts. Antoine Winfield Jr. got here off the sting on a blitz and compelled an incompletion on Kirk Cousins’ 2-point conversion try, preserving the Bucs’ 28-26 lead.

Largest gap within the sport plan: The Bucs’ secondary, which was lacking beginning security Tykee Smith and backup cornerback Benjamin Morrison earlier than beginning cornerback Zyon McCollum left the sport due to a hip damage, had no options for Pitts, who went untouched in the long run zone twice. Christian Izien, who stepped in for Smith, surrendered Pitts’ first landing on a crossing route and a 36-yard vertical cross play to arrange Pitts’ second rating. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent sport: at Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Dec. 21)