A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 23-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before 58,221 fans on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: Falcons linebacker Justin Durant was in coverage against Tampa Bay running back Charles Sims. He missed a tackle — which would become a major theme in the game — in the flat and Sims broke loose for an 18-yard gain to keep the Bucs' second possession moving.
Turning point: The Bucs tried to help the Falcons out with two illegal formation penalties to give them a first down-and-20 from the Atlanta 43-yard line. The Bucs were able to overcome the penalties and used some help from the Falcons in the form of a 15-yard face mask penalty on linebacker Philip Wheeler to move the ball to the 6. Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston scored on a 5-yard run two plays later.
Takeaway: The Falcons tried to throw deep on their first possession, but Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan overthrew tight end Jacob Tamme.
Score: Buccaneers 7, Falcons 0.
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: On second down-and-goal from Tampa Bay's 5, Ryan was flushed out of the pocket and instead of forcing a pass into the end zone he threw it away. He was sacked on third down and the throw-away saved the field goal opportunity.
Turning point: With the Bucs up 7-6, Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant came up with an interception of a pass that was tipped by Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans. The Falcons got the offense the ball back with 34 seconds left and they drove in for field goal to take the lead on a 52-yarder by Shayne Graham at the buzzer.
Takeaway: Graham has been clutch for the Falcons with Matt Bryant sidelined by a quadriceps injury.
Score: Falcons 9, Buccaneers 7.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: After the Bucs took a 13-12 lead on running back Doug Martin's 1-yard touchdown run, the Falcons didn't allow the two-point conversion. Winston rolled out to his right, but his pass intended for wide receiver Adam Humphries was incomplete.
Turning point: After Ryan was ruled to be out of the end zone on an intentional grounding, punter Matt Bosher got off a booming one-step punt that went 61 yards. The defense was able to hold and force Tampa Bay into a field goal.
Takeaway: The Falcons took the Bucs best shots, but were still standing and within striking distance.
Score: Buccaneers 16, Falcons 12.
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Linebacker Paul Worrilow forced a fumble of Martin and free safety Ricardo Allen came up with the recovery to get the ball back with 14:51 to play. The Falcons converted the turnover into a touchdown and took the lead 19-16.
Turning point: On third down-and-19, Winston broke free for a 23-yard game to pick up the first down and keep their last-ditch effort alive. Five plays later he tossed a 5-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Mike Evans.
Takeaway: It is about the ball. The Falcons scored 10 points over their two turnovers, but ended the game with a turnover. Another Ryan interception.
Score: Buccaneers 23, Falcons 19.
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