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ON THE FALCONS BEAT

Falcons’ Keanu Neal sets NFL forced fumble mark

Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) takes down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) after a short reception during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) takes down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) after a short reception during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
By D. Orlando Ledbetter

Falcons safety Keanu Neal set an NFL record for most forced fumbles in the first two seasons by a defensive back in Monday night’s game against the Buccaneers. Neal set the mark with a forced fumble in the second quarter.

Neal hit Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber on the Atlanta 4-yard line and recovered the fumbled.

It was his third forced fumble of the season and eighth of his career.

Neal was tied with David Whitmore (1990-91) who also had seven.

The Falcons were up 14-7 when Neal stopped the scoring threat.