ID 104810695 | Atlanta Falcons © Marcus Ingram | Dreamstime.com
Spectacular Fireworks Display
In a matchup that promised to be an exciting matchup, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not disappoint. Both teams started the game with a full-on offense, scoring touchdowns on their first possessions. Fittingly, a long touchdown pass sealed the end of this NFC South face-off.
Kirk Cousins, the Falcons quarterback, threw his fourth touchdown of the game, a 45-yard touchdown to KhaDarel Hodge, to secure a 36-30 overtime victory for the Falcons. Hodge entered the game as a substitute following an injury to Drake London. The Falcons were able to force overtime thanks to Younghoe Koo’s 52-yard field goal as the clock expired in regulation. Cousins then took over, breaking his career record with 509 passing yards, and guided Atlanta (3-2) to a share of the division lead.
Cousin Horoscope Performance
Cousins’ last five-minute, touchdown pass in regulation or overtime over the past five seasons is an NFL record.
The Atlanta Falcons’ Path to Victory
The Falcons have proven their resilience in close games this season, after trailing in the final minute of the fourth quarter in all of their victories. They made NFL history as the first team to win three of their first five games of the season after trailing in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
With back-to-back wins over New Orleans and Tampa Bay, the Falcons now hold the lead in the NFC South. This could prove to be key in the strong race for this division as the season progresses.
Outstanding Works
Cousins justified the Falcons’ $180 million investment, resulting in a strong performance. He completed 42 of 58 pass attempts for 509 yards, with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Drake London continued to dominate Tampa Bay, scoring three of four 100-yard games against them. Tight end Kyle Pitts also made a big impact, posting his best stats for nearly a year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tough Road Ahead
Although the Buckeyes have been victorious for the past three years, they have been warned that the Falcons are the team to beat this season. The prediction came true Thursday night, as the Bucs prepare for a three-team race as they head to New Orleans next.
Baker Mayfield, the Bucs quarterback, did an impressive job, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Falcons’ attack. The Bucs defense had a rough night, giving up 550 yards, highlighting the need for improvement as the season progresses.
The upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints will be the next challenge for the Buckeyes on Sunday, October 13, while the Falcons will face the Carolina Panthers on the same day.
