News / People
Falcons Shut Up Bucs, Lead Division
Three weeks after Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris declared his team the best in the NFC, the Falcons proved the Buccaneers aren’t even the best in their division.
With a powerful running back, a balanced passing game and a gutty goal-line stand, the Atlanta Falcons improved to a 6-2 record and stand alone atop of the NFC South.
It was a big day for Michael Turner as he rushed for 107 yards and scored two early touchdowns to put Atlanta ahead 14-0. Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman cut the gap to 17-14 by halftime with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn and a 58-yarder to Mike Williams.
Then, on the third play of the second half, Freeman threw a pass under pressure and it landed right in the arms of defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux. That set up a 5-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Michael Palmer, the first career score for the undrafted rookie.
With less than a minute left in the 3rd quarter, Matt Bryant added his second field goal, pushing the Falcons ahead 27-14.
But the Bucs never gave up. On the very next play, Michael Spurlock returned an 89-yard kickoff to shorten Atlanta’s lead to 6. And in the 4th quarter, Josh Freeman guided his team on 12-play, 89-yard drive that took nearly 7 ½ minutes and put them in scoring position at the Atlanta 2.
The Falcons had other plans, though. On fourth-and-1, Freeman faked a handoff to Ryan Purvis, a tight end lined up at fullback, and then gave it to LeGarrette Blount for a run over right tackle. But safety Thomas DeCoud stuffed the play, and Coy Wire finished off Blount to make sure he couldn't stretch out for a first down. The ball was turned over to the Falcons, who ran out the clock after Turner picked up the necessary first down with one final run.
Along with the win, Falcons fans celebrated the return of Roddy White. The receiver gave many a scare after twisting his right knee making a sideline catch in the 1st quarter. He limped off the field and slowly made his way to the locker room.
He returned for the second half, tested the knee on the sideline, and then joined his team back on the field. He finished the day with 4 receptions for 49 yards. This is good news for Atlanta as White leads the NFL with 56 receptions through seven games.
Atlanta now improves to 4-0 at home and currently sits in the top spot in the NFC South. New Orleans is one game behind, followed by Tampa Bay and Carolina.
