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.
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