Falcons complete comeback as Bucs drop from first in NFC South

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

On Thursday night time in prime time, they confirmed that combat. The Falcons got here again from a 14-point deficit within the fourth quarter to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 29-28, at Raymond James Stadium. The win was capped by Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez, sneaking in a 43-yard subject purpose as time expired.

The Falcons had been led by monster nights from quarterback Kirk Cousins, operating again Bijan Robinson and tight finish Kyle Pitts Sr.

Cousins completed 30-of-44 for 373 yards and three touchdowns, Robinson had 19 carries for 93 yards and one other 82 receiving yards on eight catches and Pitts had an evening to recollect, exploding for 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

This loss was an enormous 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 gained as soon as in its previous six video games, whereas Atlanta gained simply its second sport in its previous 9.

Listed below are an important issues to know from Thursday night time for each groups:

Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

QB efficiency: Cousins had the 2 finest video games of his 2024 season towards the Bucs. That success towards Tampa Bay continued Thursday night time. Cousins had over 150 yards with two touchdowns within the first half for the third straight time towards 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 form 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.

Greatest gap within the sport plan: The Falcons got here into the sport already having been eradicated from playoff competition and had been locked right into a dropping report. What the teaching workers wished most from the staff over the ultimate few weeks was a clear operation. Thursday night time was something however. Atlanta had 10 penalties within the first half, the staff’s most in a half since 1984. Nonetheless, the Falcons overcame committing 19 accepted penalties, essentially the most in franchise historical past and essentially the most by any staff 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 profitable 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% likelihood to win the division.

Nonetheless, Tampa Bay controls its future. No matter what occurs down the stretch, if it had been to beat Carolina in Weeks 16 and 18, the Bucs would win the division.

QB breakdown: Quarterback Baker Mayfield seemed shaky and inconsistent. The Falcons pressured him on 17 of 40 of his dropbacks (43%) Thursday, the very best strain price he has confronted in a sport this season. Mayfield was additionally sacked a season-high 5 occasions. His deep ball confirmed some enchancment, going 6-of-9 on passes of 15 or extra downfield yards, and Evans, who hauled in six catches for 132 receiving yards, performed an enormous function in that. With out Evans in Weeks 8 to 14, Mayfield went solely 6-of-26 on passes of 15 or extra air yards. Mayfield additionally linked with Chris Godwin Jr. in the long run zone for the primary time this season, in addition to tight finish Devin Culp. Nonetheless, there have been method too many missed alternatives — together with on their remaining drive, when, as an alternative of operating out the ultimate 3:23, they had been compelled to punt with two minutes to go.

Turning level: With 8:28 to go in regulation, Dee Alford intercepted Mayfield’s move 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 on the following drive, and although it gave the impression to be smothered by a Buccaneer defender, officers deemed it was Atlanta’s ball — organising a 7-yard landing to Pitts. Antoine Winfield Jr. got here off the sting on a blitz and compelled an incompletion on Cousins’ 2-point conversion try, preserving the Bucs’ 28-26 lead.

Greatest 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. Christian Izien, who stepped in for Smith, surrendered Pitts’ first landing on a crossing route and a 36-yard vertical move play to arrange Pitts’ second rating. — Jenna Laine

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