The Bucs(9-5) overcome a 17-point halftime deficit and slow start to defeat the Atlanta Falcons(4-10) 31-27 in their pursuit of making the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.
Playoff teams don't start slow and succeed
The Bucs came away with a win Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons but it was more of a "choke job" by the Falcons compared to a victory by the Bucs. After the Falcons opened the game with a touchdown after blown coverage by second-year liability corner Sean Murphy-Bunting, the Bucs would spend a majority of the first half looking for answers on both sides of the ball.
Matt Ryan(34/49 356 yards 3 TDs 110.6 QBR) looked almost perfect connecting with Russell Gage Jr.(5-68-1) and Calvin Ridley(10-163-1) for touchdowns in the first half along with a field goal before halftime to put the Bucs down 17-0. Going into half, the Falcons were outplaying the Bucs as well 261-61 in regards to total yards with 90% of that through the air.
After a slow start during the first half, the Bucs were able to manage to gain their bearings as they seemed to make the necessary adjustments during the half. Devin White not only led the team with 12 tackles, he also came alive during the second half, registering 3 sacks.
After being shut out during the first half, Bucs score 31 points
After being held to 61 total yards in the first half, Tom Brady did the same thing to the Falcons, that he had done 3 years previously during Super Bowl LI, when he led the Patriots from a 17-point deficit to win 34-28. Without Ronald Jones II in the offense, the Bucs looked completely lost on offense.
The second half was a complete different story as the Bucs were able to garner 384 total yards and 3 touchdowns through the air while adding another one the ground by Leonard Fournette. Antonio Brown also found the endzone for his first touchdown since joining the team on October 23rd(his first since Sept 15, 2019 Week 2 vs Miami Dolphins while a member of the New England Patriots).
*Fun fact of the day: Falcons had 3 penalties for 28 yards on Sunday. Tom Brady overcame a 28-3 deficit to win Super Bowl LI vs Atlanta. The Falcons record since Super Bowl LI is 28-34, which was the final score of the game*
Bucs on verge on clinching a playoff berth
Next week the Bucs look to clinch a playoff berth if they're able to capture a victory against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. With their victory over the Falcons, the Bucs were needing a Bears-Vikings tie to clinch. With a Bears victory, the Bucs will have to wait another week. A playoff berth would mean the Bucs will snap a 13-year postseason drought.
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