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Falcons Secure NFC South Lead with Victory Over Buccaneers

28/10/2024 MMN Sports

Kirk Cousins led the Atlanta Falcons to a 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, throwing for 276 yards and four touchdowns. This victory allows the Falcons to take sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

Cousins connected with Kyle Pitts for touchdowns of 36 and 49 yards, while also throwing 30-yard and 7-yard touchdown passes to Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson, respectively. With this win, the Falcons improved to 5-3 and completed a two-game sweep of the season series against the Buccaneers.

Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers passed for 330 yards and three touchdowns, but his performance included two critical interceptions. In the final moments of the game, Mayfield led the Bucs to the Atlanta 33, but his Hail Mary attempt from the 38 was caught by Rakim Jarrett as time expired.

The Falcons maintained an undefeated record within the NFC South, moving to 4-0 in the division. The Buccaneers, now 4-4, had previously lost to Atlanta in overtime, 36-30, on October 3, during which Cousins threw for a career-high 509 yards.

Mayfield's offensive efforts included two touchdown passes to Cade Otton, one of which was a 4-yarder that reduced a 14-point deficit to 31-26 with just under seven minutes remaining. The Falcons managed to retain possession until Younghoe Koo missed a 46-yard field goal attempt with 1:01 left on the clock.

With Chris Godwin out for the season and Mike Evans expected to miss at least three games, the Buccaneers are relying on a strengthened rushing attack and a young group of playmakers. This includes Otton, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, Rachaad White, and Bucky Irving to support Mayfield in their bid for a fourth consecutive division title.

Rachaad White contributed with an 18-yard touchdown reception in the first half but lost an early fumble that resulted in an Atlanta touchdown. Currently, Mayfield leads the NFL with 21 touchdown passes, but he has thrown seven interceptions in the last three games after only two through Week 5.