The 8-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Atlanta to take on the 4-9 Falcons. While the Buccaneers can technically clinch a playoff spot, it will take a Vikings and Bears tie to get it done. A win today can make a week 16 playoff spot a reality however. Here is the full game recap for the Buccaneers at Falcons.
Quarter One
The Falcons elect to start on offense, which was a smart decision by Raheem Morris and Dirk Koetter. After converting a tough third and nine, Matt Ryan orchestrates an easy eight play drive for six points.
While Tom Brady and the Buccaneers get a first down, they are forced to punt after a poor screen setup. The slow starts continue….
The defense gets a stop with a nice play by Devin White and Jordan Whitehead, but once again, the offense punts the ball right back to the Falcons.
Score 7-0 Falcons
Quarter Two
The defense has woken up, forcing two three and outs in a row. Whitehead and White get a hand on the football and nearly cause a turnover.
After only 39 offensive yards, the defense is tired and can’t hold any longer, as Ryan completes a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley. With 7:48 remaining, the Falcons lead 14-0.
After five consecutive punts, the Buccaneers offense looks like they are playing against a top tier defense, not the 30th ranked Atlanta secondary. One for five on third down is also a major factor in offensive woes.
There’s not much else to say here, besides a score update…
Score 17-0 Falcons
Quarter Three
Tampa Bay starts with the ball and needs to get going quickly or this game might get out of hand. That’s exactly what they do.
After two completions to Cameron Brate and Mike Evans respectively, Leonard Fournette punches it in from the one yard line. Tampa Bay still trails 17-7.
In a shocking development, Carlton Davis is ruled out of the game with a groin injury with the Buccaneers on offense. One has to assume he tweaked it before the half with a diagnosis at halftime.
It appears the defense didn’t get the halftime message however, as Matt Ryan drives down the field to answer with a touchdown of his own.
Brady answers once again with huge completions to Mike Evans. Chris Godwin now finds the endzone to bring the score within 10 once again.
After a huge double penalty, the Buccaneers are able to punch it in from the one yard line once again with Fournette. The lead is now cut to three points in full Falcons’ fashion.
Quarter Four
The Buccaneers have stolen all of the momentum. After forcing yet another three and out, Brady drives down the field to tie up the game with a Ryan Succop field goal. Tampa Bay ties the game for the first time since it began.
A beautiful play by Antoine Winfield Jr. saves a touchdown, but the Falcons are still able to convert on a 52 yard field goal. Down three, Tom Brady takes over with 8:16 remaining.
Antonio Brown anyone? Brady finally finds him deep for a 46 yard touchdown to take the lead for the first time. Tampa Bay leads by four with 6:19 left.
We officially have a Devin White sighting, as he records his second sack in as many drives to force a Falcons punt.
The defense continues to impress in the second half, as Ryan goes down for another sack forcing a turnover on down.
The Buccaneers take over and run the clock down to zero, securing the victory 31-27, moving to 9-5 on the season. Next up, the Detroit Lions.
