The Atlanta Falcons took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their NFC South matchup on Thursday Night Football. Ahead of the contest, Atlanta was previously eliminated from playoff contention, while Tampa Bay is vying to win the division. This game was about pride for both the Falcons and the Buccaneers, as well as playoff chances. Here’s what went right and wrong for Atlanta.
Atlanta Stuns Tampa Bay in Thursday Night Thriller
Offensively, the Falcons did a good job, scheming up plays that drove them down the field. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson called a solid game, getting the ball to playmakers early and often. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a tremendous game, going 30/44 with 373 yards passing, three touchdowns, and zero turnovers. Cousins threw the ball accurately and kept them out of harm’s way.
Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. showed out tonight with 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Pitts was the primary target for Cousins tonight, and he delivered, having one of the better games of his career.
The run game did well, as running back Bijan Robinson had 19 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Although Robinson played well, he did fumble in the third quarter, which gave Tampa Bay the ball back and could’ve stifled their comeback.
Defensively, Atlanta played well, containing Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans at a decent level. Even though Evans had six catches for 132 yards, he did not score a touchdown. Cornerback Dee Alford had three tackles and an acrobatic interception late in the game. The defense got to Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, sacking him four times and forcing a turnover.
The Falcons’ comeback was strong, as they were down 14 points in the fourth quarter. Robinson scored a late touchdown, and so did Pitts, to get them back in the game. Atlanta got the ball back after forcing Tampa Bay to go three and out. Cousins was leading a game-winning drive when he got sacked and lost the ball, but they recovered. They then completed a pass to get closer on a third-and-long, and on fourth down, they converted.
Atlanta got into field goal range and kicker Zane Gonzalez made a 43-yard field goal to win the game, 29-28.
Tampa went into this game needing to win all four of their remaining games to have the best chance of winning the division, but this loss puts a damper on things, as they lost to another division opponent last week, the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay will play the Carolina Panthers twice in their final three games and must win those to have the most leeway for their playoff hopes.
