What happened in Falcons home loss to the Buccaneers

Because the Buccaneers offense was handed great field position thanks to the interception, it didn’t take long for it to score. At all. The first play of the second quarter was a 2-yard touchdown run by Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

(NOTE: The touchdown means the Falcons’ streak of not allowing a touchdown ended at 10 quarters.)

With Matthews sidelined with an injury, Tyler Vrabel took his spot along the Falcons offensive line. Vrabel had been elevated from the practice squad for this game. So, that meant three of the five linemen are not the normal starters.

Well, that detail didn’t seem to matter all that much when Ridder found tight end Kyle Pitts downfield for a 36-yard touchdown pass. The scoring drive consisted of six plays for 75 yards. Tie game, again.

The Buccaneers were unable to answer. The Falcons had the opportunity to take the lead, but Koo missed a 50-yard field goal attempt.

(NOTE: Hollins returned to the game. He caught a 4-yard pass from Ridder even during the failed field-goal drive.)

So, the Buccaneers pulled ahead. Not on offense, but on defense. Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. sacked Ridder and forced a fumble. Falcons fullback Keith Smith recovered it, but Buccaneers defensive lineman Pat O’Connor tackled Smith in the end zone for a safety.

(NOTE: Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom had an ankle injury and is questionable to return. The Falcons were down to one starting offensive lineman, left guard Matthew Bergeron.)

Again, the Falcons tried to take the lead, but Koo missed a 52-yard field goal attempt as time expired for halftime.

Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield 2-yard run; Chase McLaughlin PAT … 10-3, TAM
Falcons: Desmond Ridder 36-yard pass to Kyle Pitts; Younghoe Koo PAT … 10-10, ALL
Buccaneers: Pat O’Connor safety … 12-10, TAM