Falcons beat Bucs, end 5-game losing streak
The losing streak is over.
The Falcons, hoping to get back into the meek NFC South race, rallied to defeat the Bucs 27-17 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium and end their five-game losing streak.
The Falcons improved to 3-6 on the season. Their last victory was a 56-14 win over the Bucs on Sept. 18. The Bucs, determined not to be embarrassed again, fought hard before dropping to 1-8 on the season.
Quarterback Matt Ryan tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White with 9:18 left to put the Falcons ahead for good. Wide receiver Harry Douglas made a nice grab on the two-point conversion to make it 24-17.
After taking the lead, the Falcons defense came up with a stop as defensive end Osi Umenyiora sacked Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown on third down.
On the Falcons’ next possession, kicker Matt Bryant added a 33-yard field goal to put the Falcons up 10 with 4:10 left to play.
But the Bucs wouldn’t go away quietly.
Josh McCown drove the Bucs down to Atlanta’s 4-yard and were threatening to score before Falcons safety Dwight Lowery intercepted a pass in the end zone with under 1:49 to play.
Ryan completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards and touchdown. Running back Steven Jackson rushed 16 times for a season-high 81 yards and the defense came up with three sacks.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
