The Atlanta Falcons’ thrilling overtime win at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shed some light on some of the good things the team is doing lately. Let’s get into it.
1. Kirk Cousins Is the Come-Behind King
Cousins was masterful in overtime with the big-time throw to lead the team to victory and throwing for 509 yards, but he’s done it all season. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, down by six with 1:39 left on the clock, the veteran quarterback engineered a 70-yard drive, finishing it off with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Drake London with 34 seconds left in the game.
he drove the Falcons done the field in the closing seconds and did the same against Kansas City, although it didn’t end the same.
His last-minute wins are why the Falcons are 3-2 at this juncture, rather than 0-5. Against the Bucs, Cousins continually found Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Darnell Mooney.
2. Kyle Pitts Is Still Alive
Left for dead over the past three games, tight end Kyle Pitts came alive with seven catches for 88 yards.
Going into the game, the talk was that Pitts and Cousins just couldn’t get on the same page and that the Falcons most likely would do well to trade him. But judging from Pitts’ performance against the Bucs, he is very much still a big part of the offense and just needs to continue to find his groove.
Cousins found him repeatedly over the middle and on the ends when the Bucs tried to blitz from the cornerback position. Can Pitts put together back-to-back good games? That remains to be seen.
3. The Swag Surf Advantage Is Real
DJ Big Tigger knows when to press the homecrowd into action. With the game on the line, the Falcons were energized when the crowd Swag Surfed once again. This time, even Kirk Cousins got in on the action.
4. The Falcons-Bucs Rivalry Is Real
The rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is one of the notable divisional matchups in the NFL, characterized by close contests, memorable moments, and a shared history within the NFC South division. Here’s a deep dive into their football history:
Origins of the Rivalry
- Formation of the Buccaneers: The rivalry began when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the NFL in 1976. At that time, they played in the NFC Central division while the Atlanta Falcons were part of the NFC West.
- Early Meetings: The first meeting between the two teams took place on December 18, 1977, with the Falcons defeating the Buccaneers 17-0. The two teams didn’t become regular opponents until 2002 when they were both placed in the NFC South during the NFL’s realignment.
The NFC South Era (2002-Present)
The rivalry truly took shape in 2002 when the Falcons and Buccaneers were both placed in the newly created NFC South division, ensuring that they would play each other twice a season.
Key Aspects of the Rivalry:
- Parity and Close Contests: The games between the Falcons and Buccaneers have often been competitive, with the two teams trading victories and both franchises going through cycles of success and struggle.
- Divisional Stakes: As divisional rivals, these games frequently carry playoff implications, particularly during seasons where both teams are in contention for the NFC South title or a Wild Card spot.
- Fan Engagement: The proximity between Atlanta and Tampa Bay (roughly 450 miles) means that fans of both teams often travel to each other’s cities, adding intensity to the matchups.
Notable Moments
- 2002 Season: After realignment, the Buccaneers were dominant during their first season in the NFC South, ultimately winning the Super Bowl in 2002. The Falcons, led by young quarterback Michael Vick, would provide tough competition for Tampa Bay over the years but didn’t have the same level of success early on.
- 2004-2006: The rivalry heated up as both teams were competitive in the mid-2000s. Vick’s electrifying play and Tampa Bay’s strong defense led to some memorable showdowns.
- 2008-2012: During this period, both teams experienced success. The Buccaneers were in a rebuilding phase, but the Falcons, led by quarterback Matt Ryan and head coach Mike Smith, began to dominate the division. From 2008 to 2012, the Falcons won six out of the 10 matchups against the Bucs, including a memorable 2012 overtime win.
- 2016: The Falcons had a standout season, making a Super Bowl appearance. That year, they swept the Buccaneers in their regular-season matchups, highlighting their superiority in the division.
- 2020-2021: With Tom Brady joining the Buccaneers in 2020, Tampa Bay became a dominant force, winning the Super Bowl in Brady’s first season. They swept the Falcons in both 2020 and 2021, signaling a resurgence in Tampa Bay’s favor after a long period where Atlanta had been more successful.
Final Word
The Falcons had themselves a night by first, forcing overtime and then winning the game. Way to go, Falcons.