Week 5 of the NFL season kicked off with an NFC South matchup between the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) and the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) on "Thursday Night Football" (8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video). Both teams are coming off wins, with the Buccaneers disposing of the Eagles and the Falcons nipping the Saints on a 58-yard field goal with 2 seconds left. The Falcons opened as 2.5-point favorites for Thursday's matchup (O/U 42.5), but the line has since dipped to -1.5. The Buccaneers (+185 to win the NFC South) and Falcons (+160) split the series last season, with each team winning on the road.
The Atlanta Falcons won an overtime thriller Thursday, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 36-30 to kick off Week 5. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins found KhaDarel Hodge for a 45-yard touchdown on the Falcons’ opening possession of the extra period for the game winner. Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo hit a game-tying 52-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Tampa Bay also had success on the ground, running for 160 yards as part of a balanced attack. But the Bucs lost 14 yards on their last possession of the game — bumping them out of field-goal range after a Cousins interception, setting up the game-tying drive. Cousins passed for 509 yards and four touchdowns. He threw a pick on fourth-and-15 with under two minutes to go that almost spoiled a possible comeback, but he redeemed himself by getting Koo into range for the equalizing kick. Both offenses started hot as the teams combined for 41 points in the first half. Neither side punted in the first 30 minutes, and they mostly traded scores. The Buccaneers took a 24-17 lead into the break. The defenses settled down in the second half, though, as the offenses combined for only 16 points. While Tampa Bay tried to salt the game away on the ground, Atlanta committed some key miscues. The Falcons missed one field goal, and another was blocked. Before the blocked kick, receiver Darnell Mooney, who was wide open, dropped a pass that had the potential to be a touchdown. Both teams are now 3-2, tied at the top of the NFC South. Atlanta leads the division after the head-to-head win.
The Falcons' Comeback
After a back-and-forth first half, the Falcons found themselves trailing 30-27 late in the fourth quarter. The Falcons' offense appeared to be sputtering, and the Bucs' defense was stifling their momentum. However, Cousins and the Falcons offense found a way to tie the game with a field goal as time expired.
Cousins' Overtime Magic
In overtime, Cousins led the Falcons down the field with precision and poise. His 45-yard touchdown pass to Hodge was the difference-maker, sealing the victory for the Falcons. Cousins' performance in the fourth quarter and overtime was nothing short of spectacular. He showcased his veteran leadership and ability to make clutch plays when it mattered most.
Buccaneers' Missed Opportunity
The Buccaneers had the game in their hands, leading by multiple points in the final minutes. However, a series of mishaps, including a fumble by Bucky Irving, gave the Falcons a lifeline. The Bucs' inability to capitalize on their opportunities proved costly, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Looking Ahead
The Falcons' victory is a major boost to their confidence and a significant statement in the NFC South. They now hold the division lead, but their next game against the New York Giants will be a tough test.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, will need to regroup after this disappointing loss. They face a formidable opponent in the Dallas Cowboys next week, so a bounce-back performance is crucial.
The Final Score
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 36-30, in overtime.
Who's Got Next?
The Falcons will travel to New York to face the Giants on Sunday, October 13th. The Buccaneers will host the Cowboys on Sunday, October 13th.
The Takeaway
The Falcons' victory is a reminder that anything can happen in the NFL. Cousins' late-game heroics were the catalyst for the comeback victory, and the Falcons' resilience was on full display throughout the game. For the Buccaneers, their defeat was a painful reminder that even in the best of times, a few costly mistakes can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
