Buccaneers Edge Falcons in Close Battle, Snap Losing Streak

ATLANTA, GA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons both entered their Week 6 matchup looking to end their respective losing streaks. In a game defined by defense and timely scoring, it was the Buccaneers who emerged victorious, securing a 17-14 win on the road. Tampa Bay’s offense came alive late, with Baker Mayfield leading two second-half touchdown drives, including the game-winning score with just over a minute remaining.

Game Recap

The Falcons opened the scoring with a field goal to take an early lead, but the Buccaneers responded in kind, tying the game at 3-3. The defensive battle continued into the third quarter, where Atlanta once again took the lead with another field goal, making it 6-3.

Tampa Bay finally broke through offensively with 1:44 left in the third quarter. Quarterback Baker Mayfield found Trey Palmer for a 16-yard touchdown, giving the Buccaneers a 10-6 lead.

Atlanta answered in the fourth quarter, as Michael Penix Jr connected with Kyle Pitts for a touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to take a 14-10 lead with 6:50 remaining.

With time winding down, Mayfield delivered in the clutch. He orchestrated a late drive and capped it off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin, putting Tampa Bay back on top 17-14 with just 1:03 left. Atlanta had one final chance but couldn’t move into field goal range, sealing the Buccaneers’ victory.

Key Stats

Mayfield finished the game completing 24 of 42 passes for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Chris Godwin led the Buccaneers with six catches for 62 yards and the game-winning score, while Trey Palmer added four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.

On the ground, Rachaad White managed 28 rushing yards on nine carries. The Buccaneers’ defense was strong, recording three sacks, with Calijah Kancey leading the way with 1.5 sacks.

For Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr threw for 282 yards and a touchdown, while Kyle Pitts had a dominant outing with seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons’ ground game struggled, as Tank Bigsby was held to just 16 yards on nine carries.

Up Next

The Buccaneers, now 2-4, will finish their three-game road trip next week with a visit to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Falcons drop to 1-5 and will look to bounce back on the road against the Arizona Cardinals.