Falcons’ Stunning Comeback Victory Over Buccaneers
TAMPA, Fla. — In a thrilling Thursday night matchup, the Atlanta Falcons staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-28 at Raymond James Stadium. The win was capped off by Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez, who hit a 43-yard field goal as time expired, securing a much-needed victory for the team.
The Falcons were led by outstanding performances from quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Bijan Robinson, and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. Cousins finished 30-of-44 for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Robinson had 19 carries for 93 yards and 82 receiving yards on eight catches. Pitts had a phenomenal night, exploding for 11 catches for 166 yards and 3 touchdowns.
This loss was a significant blow to the Buccaneers, who are battling the Carolina Panthers for the NFC South crown. With the loss, Tampa falls half a game behind Carolina with three weeks to go. The Buccaneers have won only once in their past six games, while the Falcons won just their second game in their past nine.
Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
QB Performance: Cousins had the two best games of his 2024 season against the Bucs, and that success continued on Thursday night. He had over 150 yards with two touchdowns in the first half for the third straight time against the Falcons’ division rival.
Stat to Know: Pitts had his first 100-yard receiving game since his rookie season in 2021. He went off in the first half, the kind of performance the Falcons desperately needed without Drake London (knee). It was the first time a Falcons player had 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a half since Calvin Ridley in 2018.
Biggest Hole in the Game Plan: The Falcons came into the game already having been eliminated from playoff contention and were locked into a losing record. What the coaching staff wanted most from the team over the final few weeks was a clean operation. However, Thursday night was anything but, with Atlanta committing 19 accepted penalties, the most in franchise history and the most by any team this season.
Next Game: The Falcons will face the Arizona Cardinals on December 21 at 4:05 p.m. ET.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
The Buccaneers were left distraught after the late-game events, with receiver Mike Evans walking into the tunnel before the winning kick, and several others following. The home fans conveyed their disapproval with loud boos that carried on for minutes after the game.
After starting the season 5-1, the Buccaneers have fallen to 7-7, and should the Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Bucs’ chances to win the NFC South drop to 35%, according to ESPN Research. However, Tampa Bay still controls its destiny, and if it were to beat Carolina in Weeks 16 and 18, the Bucs would win the division.
QB Breakdown: Quarterback Baker Mayfield looked shaky and inconsistent, with the Falcons pressuring him on 17 of 40 dropbacks (43%) on Thursday, the highest pressure rate he has faced in a game this season. Mayfield was also sacked a season-high five times.
Turning Point: With 8:28 to go in regulation, Dee Alford intercepted Mayfield’s pass intended for Evans at the Falcons’ 33-yard line, with the Falcons trailing 28-20. Although the Buccaneers forced a fumble on the ensuing drive, officials deemed it was Atlanta’s ball, setting up a 7-yard touchdown to Pitts.
Biggest Hole in the Game Plan: The Buccaneers’ secondary, which was missing starting safety Tykee Smith and backup cornerback Benjamin Morrison, had no solutions for Pitts. Christian Izien surrendered Pitts’ first touchdown on a crossing route and a 36-yard vertical pass play to set up Pitts’ second score.
Next Game: The Buccaneers will face the Carolina Panthers on December 21 at 1 p.m. ET.
