Behind a strong performance from running back Devonta Freeman, the Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-21 to inch closer to earning a playoff berth on Monday at Raymond James Stadium.
“We knew this would be a fight and it for sure was,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
The Falcons watched as Patrick Murray’s 54-yard field goal attempt came up short as time expired.
Freeman rushed 22 times for 126 yards and caught five passes for 68 yards as he combined for 194 total yards. Terron Ward added 40 yards on eight carries and quarterback Matt Ryan 29 yards on three mad dashes.
“In the run game, we were pleased to see that get going like we did today,” Quinn said. “It was unusual to see the third running back get involved like he did. That was number two (Ryan).”
Here are the grades for the game:
Run offense: Freeman and Terron Ward carried the rushing attack for the Falcons. Freeman ran with authority, but had two fumbles. Both were recovered by the Falcons. Freeman botched his first possible rushing touchdown by fumbling in the end zone. Tight end Levine Toilolo recovered for the score. Freeman broke loose for a 32-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to help the Falcons ice the game. He shook safety Keith Tandy to get in to the end zone. Freeman had his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 3 against the Packers when he rushed for 106 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Freeman rushed 22 times for 126 yards against the Bucs. Grade: B
Pass offense: Justin Hardy scored on a 6-yard touchdown catch on the Falcons' second possession. His score capped an 9-play, 62-yard drive. Julio Jones set up the Falcons second score with a power 17-yard run and catch from the 19-yard line. The Bucs shadowed Jones with a safety and were determined not to let him take over the game. Jones was held to three catches for 54 yards. Matt Ryan was 17 of 31 for 212 yards and one touchdown. Grade: C-minus
Run defense: With the Falcons up 14-7, the Bucs were on the move until Keanu Neal walloped running back Peyton Barber and caused a fumble at the Falcons' 4-yard line. He recovered it, too. It was Neal's third forced fumble of the season. He has eight over his career. The Falcons held Barber to 53 yardson 13 carries. Grade: A
Pass defense: Free safety Ricardo Allen was called for a questionable unnecessary roughness to keep the Buccaneers' second possession alive. They ended the drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight end O.J. Howard, who scored after Neal slipped while in pursuit. On a third-and-4 from Tampa Bay's 45, tight end Alan Cross got behind linebacker De'Vondre Campbell for a 23-yard catch. Mike Evans caught a 42-yard touchdown pass between cornerback Desmond Trufant and Allen. Neal missed quarterback Jameis Winston on a blitz. The Falcons had trouble with their footing all night. Grade: C
Special teams: Returner Andre Roberts opened the game with a 31-yard kickoff return. Matt Bryant made a 57-yard field goal to put the Falcons ups 17-7 in the second quarter. Punter Matt Bosher had 3.4 seconds of hang time on that 26 yard punt he was trying to place inside the 20 late in the second quarter. With the Falcons up 17-14, the Bucs' William Gholston blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter as he over-powered lineman Austin Pasztor. You can't give up ground up the middle on the field goal unit. Grade: B
Coaching: In a must-win situation, it was not an inspiring performance. Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith got the best of Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian in this game. The Bucs, with players dropping like flies, were able to contain Jones and keep him from turning in a monster game. The Bucs pursued well against the Falcons' toss sweeps and made things difficult for the run game. Offensively, Winston attacked the Falcons zones and was able to keep it close until the end. Grade. C
Next up: The Falcons play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
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