As rivals in the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons have been bringing out their best (and worst) against each other for decades. The 2024 NFL season features some of football’s most high-octane offences so far and the biggest individual performances to boot, but likely nothing quite as recently showcased between the two.
Analysis of Previous Match-ups and Results
Atlanta Falcons win in Overtime Thriller ( Oct 3, 2024 )
Oct. 3, 2024: Atlanta finished the game with a 36-30 win in overtime. Quarterback Kirk Cousins unleashed the best game of his career, passing for 509 yards and four touchdowns. His 45-yard touchdown pass to KhaDarel Hodge in OT was the decisive score in a Falcons win.
Oct 27, 2024: Falcons Complete Sweep On the Season
The Atlanta Falcons travelled to Raymond James Stadium to face the Buccaneers later in the month, on October 27. Atlanta scored another win, beating Tampa Bay 31-26. For the Falcons, this victory clinched their second over their divisional opposition and maintained their lead within the NFC South.
Key Player Performances
Kirk Cousins Shines for Atlanta Falcons
In 2023, Kirk Cousins has played a large role in the success the Atlanta Falcons have had against the Buccaneers. He surpassed Matt Ryan for the franchise record in passing yards with 509 head-to-head on October 3. Their precision passing and leadership bring a new life to Atlanta’s offence, making them one of the deadliest units in the league.
Baker Mayfield Try Hard For Tampa Bay
But Baker Mayfield fought back as best he could. The Tampa Bay quarterback kept the game close on October 3 with 325 passing yards and three touchdowns. One bright spot for the Buccaneers this season has been the connection of wide receiver Mike Evans with his quarterback.
Statistical Highlights
Passing Yards: Kirk Cousins led with 509 yards on October 3, while Baker Mayfield recorded 325 yards in the same game.
Receiving Yards: After topping 150 receiving yards in that Oct. 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons, we can only assume Drake London finished it with a high fantasy finish (per Matthew Stafford).
Rushing Yards: The Buccaneers’ two games this season featured no rusher with more than 50 yards.
Strategic Insights
Falcons’ Offensive Prowess
Now the Atlanta Falcons, thanks to Cousins, are running a pass-heavy offence that negates what an opposing defence does well and seeks out its mismatches. Part of what allows them to stack those wins over Tampa Bay has been the sheer ability to hit the deep shots and keep the offence afoot.
Bucs’ Defensive Issues
The Tampa Bay defence has struggled against the Atlanta Falcons aerial attack. The secondary in particular has been a liability, giving up big plays and being unable to create key turnovers. The Buccaneers need to fix those defensive lapses before they move on.
Effect on NFC South Standings.
The Atlanta Falcons have swept the Buccaneers and now sit atop the NFC South division. Those victories keep Atlanta alive in the playoff race and force Tampa Bay to collectively come together quickly for the rest of 2023.
Looking Ahead
Both squads are entering some crucial games that could be telling for their playoff paths. The Falcons are on the verge of a postseason place as they aspire to keep going, while the Buccaneers are looking to bounce back and hang around. As the season continues, fans can expect even more exciting matchups.
