Falcons work overtime to beat Bucs

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons work overtime to beat Bucs

The Atlanta Falcons played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a key NFC South game at the Georgia Dome Sunday, Dec. 14.

Falcons center Todd McClure sported a new bleached mohawk for the Falcons' big divisional game against Tampa Bay at the Georgia Dome Sunday.

Atlanta's Chauncey Davis puts pressure on Tampa Bay QB Brian Griese in the first half. Griese played in the place of injured starting quarterback Jeff Garcia.

With Atlanta ahead 3-0 in the firt quarter, Falcons running back Jerious Norwood is upended by Tampa Bay's Phillip Buchanon near the goal line.

Norwood fell a yard short of the end zone, setting up a third-and-goal. Atlanta scored on the next play for a 10-0 lead.

Michael Turner's 1-yard run was the Falcons' only touchdown on the day, but it did allow Turner to set a new franchise record with his 15th rushing score of the season.

Former Falcon Warrick Dunn is brought down by Grady Jackson after a short gain.

The Bucs' Ronde Barber celebrates his second-quarter interception. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan had two interceptions in the first half.

Tempers flared in the first half between Atlanta's Roddy White and Tampa Bay cornerback Aqib Talib after Talib intercepted a pass intended for White in the second quarter. Three turnovers inside Tampa Bay territory frustrated the Falcons' offense.

Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant scores a touchdown in the final seconds of the second quarter. Despite dominating the opening half, Atlanta led only 10-7 at intermission.

Atlanta's Kindal Moorehead seeks to hem in Warrick Dunn. The Falcons defense limited the Bucs to 99 rushing yards on 26 carries.

Bucs QB Griese gets away a pass just before he's taken down by the Falcons' Jonathan Babineaux in the third quarter.

Turner sheds a tackle during one of his longer runs of the day as Roddy White looks to throw a block.

Michael Turner, who finished with 152 yards and a touchdown, drags would-be tacklers with him on a 9-yard gain in the fourth quarter.

Falcons' coach Mike Smith gets in the face of Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant after Bryant shoved an Atlanta player along the Falcons sideline.

John Abraham records one of his three sacks. This one forced Tampa Bay to punt in overtime.

Ryan had a crucial first down run late in the game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 14.

Jason Elam kicks the winning field goal to ensure the Falcons their first winning season since 2004.

Elam and holder Michael Koenen celebrate the winning kick, which Tampa Bay's Sabby Piscitelli (21) had hoped to block.

After nearly 70 minutes of hostilties, players from both teams joined together for a post-game prayer session.

Ovie Mughelli (34) whoops it up with his Falcons teammates, including Michael Koenen (9) and Jerious Norwood (32). The 9-5 Falcons play another critical game next Sunday at the Minnesota Vikings, who are also in the thick of the playoff race.

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Falcons center Todd McClure sported a new bleached mohawk for the Falcons' big divisional game against Tampa Bay at the Georgia Dome Sunday.

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