In an intense Thursday night clash, the Atlanta Falcons triumphed over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 36-30 in overtime, showcasing a significant offensive showdown. Both teams quickly found their rhythm, scoring touchdowns on their initial possessions, signaling a night filled with explosive plays.
Kirk Cousins shone for the Falcons, tossing four touchdown passes, including a decisive 45-yard strike to KhaDarel Hodge, who stepped up following an injury to Drake London. The win was secured after Younghoe Koo nailed a 52-yard field goal to level the game and send it into overtime. Cousins made history by surpassing 500 passing yards for the game, finishing with a spectacular 509 yards, setting a franchise record.
The victory positions the Falcons (3-2) in a tie for the top spot in the NFC South, leveraging tiebreakers against the Saints and Buccaneers. Atlanta has made a habit of rallying from behind this season, having trailed in the final minute of the fourth quarter in all three of their wins—an NFL first for the opening five games.
Cousins’ impressive performance included 42 completions on 58 attempts, along with four touchdowns and one interception. He has now recorded five go-ahead touchdown passes in the final minutes of games over the last five seasons, the most in the NFL during that span.
Drake London also had a standout moment, catching 12 passes for 154 yards and scoring his first touchdown against the Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Darnell Mooney made an impact with a pair of touchdown receptions, indicating a resurgence reminiscent of his 2021 season.
Despite the loss, the Buccaneers showed promise with Baker Mayfield throwing three touchdown passes in the first half, two of which went to Mike Evans. However, Tampa Bay struggled in the second half, accumulating only 49 passing yards. Their defense faced challenges, allowing 550 total yards from the Falcons.
The next matchup for Atlanta is against the Carolina Panthers, while Tampa Bay is set to face the New Orleans Saints, as both teams look to regain momentum in a competitive division.