Buccaneers, Falcons motivated to finish 2nd in NFC South
5 years ago

Buccaneers, Falcons motivated to finish 2nd in NFC South

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The winner will finish second in the NFC South. “Any time you can spend the offseason remembering when you won, it’s a lot different to come to work every day — as a player and a coach.” The Falcons, who’ve won five of seven following a 1-7 start, announced Friday that coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff would return. “It’s for second place in the division,” Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston said of what it would mean to close on a positive note. “We’re going to go out there and try our best to play good football because they’ve been playing really good football.. 8-8 is better than 7-9 any day.” HEADING BACK Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, the Bucs’ head coach for three years before getting fired last Dec. 30, is trying not to put too much emphasis on returning to Raymond James Stadium. “I’m sure it will be a little weird on game day, but as we stand here today you are just digging into the film and trying to figure out how to attack that defense because they are playing really, really good on defense right now.” Another former Tampa Bay head coach, Raheem Morris, has been on the Atlanta staff since Quinn’s first season in 2015.

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History of this topic

Bowles, Bucs get outside help in bid for playoff berth and 4th straight NFC South title
4 days, 9 hours ago

Bowles, Bucs get outside help in bid for playoff berth and 4th straight NFC South title

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — Todd Bowles didn’t bother staying up late to find out whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some much-needed help to make the NFL playoffs. “Very fortunate,” Bowles said Monday of the Bucs being back in control of the team’s quest for a fifth consecutive playoff berth. It’s a division opponent, we know it’s going to be a …

Falcons are in good hands at QB, but making the playoffs may have to wait
4 days, 12 hours ago

Falcons are in good hands at QB, but making the playoffs may have to wait

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Two games into the Michael Penix Jr. era, it’s clear the Atlanta Falcons are in good hands at quarterback. A gut-wrenching loss to the Washington Commanders, who rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit to pull out a 30-24 overtime victory Sunday night, dealt a huge blow to Atlanta’s postseason hopes. If Morris had used his two timeouts during …

Mayfield throws 5 TD passes and Bucs keep playoff, NFC South hopes alive with 48-14 rout of Panthers
5 days, 13 hours ago

Mayfield throws 5 TD passes and Bucs keep playoff, NFC South hopes alive with 48-14 rout of Panthers

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played like a team determined to do whatever’s necessary to make the playoffs. Tampa Bay’s fifth win in the past six weeks, combined with Atlanta’s overtime loss at Washington on Sunday night, gave the Bucs sole possession of first place in the NFC South. “If we can win next week and get a …

Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth
1 week, 1 day ago

Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1. “If we don’t take of business, we …

Nothing’s guaranteed, but Bucs need to win out to give themselves best shot to make the playoffs
1 week, 4 days ago

Nothing’s guaranteed, but Bucs need to win out to give themselves best shot to make the playoffs

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay’s surest path to the NFL playoffs is a division championship. “We’ve got to take care of business or else we’ve got no shot,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said after a 26-24 loss at Dallas cost the Bucs control of the NFC South race. We’ve got to focus on Carolina and figure out a way to win.” …

On Football: Falcons and Buccaneers flip spots atop the NFC South and playoff races tighten up
1 week, 4 days ago

On Football: Falcons and Buccaneers flip spots atop the NFC South and playoff races tighten up

Associated Press  

The 49ers, Cowboys and Cardinals are out of the playoff race. AFC West Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes and Co. are 14-1, have won their ninth straight division title and they’re going for a Super Bowl three-peat. NFC South Atlanta Falcons: A 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Michael Penix Jr.’s first career start plus Tampa Bay’s 26-24 …

Cowboys beat Tampa Bay 26-24 as Baker Mayfield and the Bucs lose control of their playoff fate
1 week, 5 days ago

Cowboys beat Tampa Bay 26-24 as Baker Mayfield and the Bucs lose control of their playoff fate

Associated Press  

ARLINGTON, Texas — Cooper Rush threw for a touchdown, Brandon Aubrey kicked two 58-yarders among four field goals and the Dallas Cowboys beat Tampa Bay 26-24 on Sunday night, costing Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers control of their playoff fate. The end of a four-game winning streak left the Bucs even with Atlanta atop the NFC South with two games …

Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Four games remain in the regular season, but the playoffs might as well be underway for the Falcons, who find themselves in a tailspin at just the wrong time. We have to control what we can, and that’s the next game.” Morris has been asked repeatedly over the past two weeks about the struggles of quarterback Kirk …

Baker Mayfield throws for 3 TDs, Bucs take over 1st in NFC South with 28-13 win over Raiders
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Baker Mayfield throws for 3 TDs, Bucs take over 1st in NFC South with 28-13 win over Raiders

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back over.500, a fourth straight NFC South title within reach. Rachaad White scored on a 5-yard reception and a 3-yard run for the Bucs, who pulled away in the second half after the Raiders lost quarterback Aidan O’Connell to a knee injury that coach Antonio Pierce said “doesn’t look good.” O’Connell …

Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch
1 month ago

Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay’s bid for a fourth straight NFC South title and fifth consecutive playoff berth is gaining momentum. As it was, it’s going to be a dog fight every week,” coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday’s 26-23 overtime win at Carolina. “We’ll take a win any way we can get it.” After facing Las Vegas this week, …

Falcons looking for scoring revival and an end to 2-game skid when they face Herbert-led Chargers
1 month ago

Falcons looking for scoring revival and an end to 2-game skid when they face Herbert-led Chargers

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Raheem Morris doesn’t want to hear about the production of his Atlanta Falcons’ offense. We’ve got to get back to doing that.” A Falcons offense led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Bijan Robinson had too many drives grind to an early halt in their two straight losses. That’s when we’ve had self-inflicted wounds.” The Chargers also …

NFC South Showdown: Falcons Face a Rejuvenated Buccaneers in Tampa Bay
2 months, 1 week ago

NFC South Showdown: Falcons Face a Rejuvenated Buccaneers in Tampa Bay

Associated Press  

The Atlanta Falcons will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a highly anticipated matchup. The Falcons are coming off a tough loss to the Seattle Seahawks, while the Buccaneers have been struggling to find their footing after losing key players to injuries. This game will be a test of the Falcons' offense and defense, as well as the Buccaneers' ability …

Falcons Struggling to Conquer Seattle: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
2 months, 1 week ago

Falcons Struggling to Conquer Seattle: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

Associated Press  

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, marking a disappointing start to the season. Despite having a three-game winning streak, the Falcons faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing the Seahawks to secure the victory. The team's struggles with pass rush continue to be a major concern, with only six sacks in the game. The Falcons' offensive …

Falcons are 3-0 against NFC South rivals as RBs Robinson, Allgeier take lead roles for offense
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons are 3-0 against NFC South rivals as RBs Robinson, Allgeier take lead roles for offense

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — One week after Kirk Cousins set a team and personal record by throwing for 509 yards with four touchdowns in a 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay, the Atlanta Falcons proved they can post similarly impressive numbers on the ground. With Bijan Robinson running for 95 yards and two touchdowns and Tyler Allgeier adding 105 yards and a …

Falcons looking for more points from Cousins-led attack as they brace for visit from Mayfield, Bucs
3 months ago

Falcons looking for more points from Cousins-led attack as they brace for visit from Mayfield, Bucs

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons had big plans for their offense when they decided to invest heavily in quarterback Kirk Cousins and add new coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. I think we know that, I think they know that, and I think we’re really comfortable being able to go out there and win football games however we …

3-time defending NFC South champion Bucs face Falcons with chance to build off strong 3-1 start
3 months ago

3-time defending NFC South champion Bucs face Falcons with chance to build off strong 3-1 start

Associated Press  

Tampa Bay at Atlanta Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, Amazon Prime Video BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 1 1/2 Series record: Buccaneers lead 31-30. Buccaneers player to watch WR Mike Evans became Tampa Bay’s all-time leading scorer last week and has compiled some impressive numbers against Atlanta. Falcons player to watch QB Kirk Cousins has logged two game-winning drives despite uneven …

Falcons squander a prime-time chance to show they’re a team on the rise in the NFL
3 months, 1 week ago

Falcons squander a prime-time chance to show they’re a team on the rise in the NFL

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Three weeks into the season, the Atlanta Falcons had a chance to establish themselves as a team on the rise in the NFL. “There’s plenty I can point to that wasn’t good enough to win this game, but still felt like it was right there for us to win and when you don’t do it, it leaves you …

It’s early, but 3-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers are off to another strong start
3 months, 2 weeks ago

It’s early, but 3-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers are off to another strong start

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to another strong start, though coach Todd Bowles understandably is playing down the significance of being 2-0 for a fourth straight season. “It’s a new season, still have a lot of games left,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said after Sunday’s 20-16 road win over the Detroit Lions, who defeated Tampa Bay twice …

Mayfield and Buccaneers must overcome Cousins and revamped Falcons for 4th straight NFC South title
4 months ago

Mayfield and Buccaneers must overcome Cousins and revamped Falcons for 4th straight NFC South title

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — Losing Tom Brady didn’t loosen the Buccaneers’ hold on the NFC South. Before Penix, Atlanta’s previous three first-round picks were running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Atlanta bolstered its defense during training camp, adding four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon and two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons to join …

Lions defeat Buccaneers to set up NFC championship showdown with 49ers
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Lions defeat Buccaneers to set up NFC championship showdown with 49ers

LA Times  

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff passes for a touchdown during a 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC divisional playoffs Sunday at Ford Field. Goff threw his second touchdown pass with 6:22 left and the Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 in the divisional round on Sunday, lifting Detroit into the NFC championship for the first …

Josh Allen, Bills rally past Dolphins 21-14, win 4th straight AFC East title
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Josh Allen, Bills rally past Dolphins 21-14, win 4th straight AFC East title

Associated Press  

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Josh Allen threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Dawson Knox midway through the fourth quarter, and the Buffalo Bills won their fourth straight AFC East title, rallying past the Miami Dolphins 21-14 on Sunday night. SEAHAWKS 21, CARDINALS 20 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Geno Smith threw two touchdown passes and Seattle rallied past Arizona but missed the …

Buccaneers clinch NFC South title with 9-0 win over Panthers
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Buccaneers clinch NFC South title with 9-0 win over Panthers

Associated Press  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are headed to the playoffs for the fourth straight season — and they have their defense to thank. Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals, the defense pitched a shutout and the Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 9-0 on Sunday to win their third consecutive NFC South title. The Buccaneers will host the Philadelphia …

Buccaneers secure NFC South crown with win against Panthers: How Todd Bowles guided the ship
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Buccaneers secure NFC South crown with win against Panthers: How Todd Bowles guided the ship

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Eagles vs Buccaneers in the NFC wild card matchup. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched their third-straight NFC South championship with a 9-0 win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Tampa Bay kicker Chase McLaughlin split the uprights with kicks of 36, 57 and 39 yards to help the Buccaneers secure the fourth seed in …

Falcons, Saints eager for a rivalry game that might also decide who wins the NFC South
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons, Saints eager for a rivalry game that might also decide who wins the NFC South

Associated Press  

NEW ORLEANS — The regular season-ending matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints symbolizes the NFL’s efforts to promote parity. Go down there Sunday and let’s see what happens.” Mathieu, who grew up in New Orleans, conceded he’d become “nervous” the Saints might slip out of playoff contention in early December after they’d lost three straight and five …

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South
1 year ago

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ season of uncertainty at quarterback will continue through the final week of the regular season. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Monday that Taylor Heinicke, who left Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears with a left ankle injury, will try to return this week. I know Taylor is going to put everything he …

Falcons squander a chance to take control in NFC South. Now it’s a 3-way tie for first place
1 year ago

Falcons squander a chance to take control in NFC South. Now it’s a 3-way tie for first place

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons squandered a huge chance to bring a bit of clarity to the muddled NFL South. We know it’s a tough challenge every week.” Atlanta was on the verge of delivering a potentially lethal blow to the Bucs’ playoff chances after Desmond Ridder led a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives for a 25-22 lead with under …

Falcons lose another tight one, show no signs of breaking free from frustrating pattern
1 year ago

Falcons lose another tight one, show no signs of breaking free from frustrating pattern

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The final play summed up the entire day for the Atlanta Falcons. “We should’ve come out of there with the win,” Ridder said, “but obviously we didn’t.” The Falcons came in with a.500 record that was good enough to lead the NFC South. Atlanta appeared in good shape again with Tampa Bay facing third-and-10 from the Falcons 47, …

Otton hauls in 11-yard scoring pass with 31 seconds left. Bucs beat Falcons 29-25
1 year ago

Otton hauls in 11-yard scoring pass with 31 seconds left. Bucs beat Falcons 29-25

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Baker Mayfield knew the Falcons would be devoting plenty of attention to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It didn’t go great the whole game, but we believed and we fought.” With a chance to put together their first three-game winning streak since 2019 and, more important, move a big step toward their first playoff appearance in six seasons, …

Falcons and Jets face different circumstances in the playoff hunt while both seek consistency
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons and Jets face different circumstances in the playoff hunt while both seek consistency

Associated Press  

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Atlanta Falcons have had quarterback issues, a three-game losing streak and a record under.500. “We’re trying to win every football game we play in, so hopefully we can keep him in contention.” BOYLE BACK UNDER CENTER While the Jets wait to see if Rodgers will be able to actually come back this season, Boyle will …

Imperfect Falcons have opportunity to take advantage of weak schedule in woeful NFC South
1 year, 1 month ago

Imperfect Falcons have opportunity to take advantage of weak schedule in woeful NFC South

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ imperfections remain obvious, topped by inconsistent play at quarterback. Atlanta put the game away late by calling nine consecutive running plays before Younghoe Koo’s 39-yard field goal provided a two-score lead with less than two minutes remaining. It was their sixth consecutive game with at least 100 yards, trailing only Baltimore’s 12 games as the …

How the Falcons rediscovered their ground game and ran into first place in the NFC South
1 year, 1 month ago

How the Falcons rediscovered their ground game and ran into first place in the NFC South

New York Times  

ATLANTA — When the Atlanta Falcons returned to their practice facility 14 days ago, fresh off their third loss in as many weeks — and to the lowly Arizona Cardinals on top of that — Kaden Elliss had little idea what to expect. The fight we had was something special.” The Falcons used that fight — and the benefit of …

Struggling Buccaneers feel sense of urgency to pull out of tailspin and salvage season
1 year, 1 month ago

Struggling Buccaneers feel sense of urgency to pull out of tailspin and salvage season

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — There’s a growing sense of urgency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to pull out of a six-week tailspin and salvage their season. While a 27-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers only dropped the Bucs a game behind the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints with seven weeks remaining, a sputtering offense and leaky defense have done little …

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons returned from their bye facing a must-win game against NFC South rival New Orleans. Heinicke was not available for Monday’s practice, but Smith said the decision to name Ridder as the starter was “absolutely” intended to last the remainder of the season and was not based on Heinicke’s health. “I think the reset …

Brady, Bucs rally to beat Panthers 30-24, clinch NFC South
2 years ago

Brady, Bucs rally to beat Panthers 30-24, clinch NFC South

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are headed back to the playoffs, confident they’re still capable of making this a special season. Brady threw for 432 yards and three long touchdowns to Mike Evans, and Bucs erased a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit for the second week in a row to clinch their second straight NFC South championship …

NFL Week 16: Buccaneers rout Panthers to take NFC South title
3 years ago

NFL Week 16: Buccaneers rout Panthers to take NFC South title

LA Times  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their first NFC South title since 2007 on Sunday when Tom Brady threw for 232 yards and a touchdown and Antonio Brown made a grand return to the NFL in a 32-6 rout of the Carolina Panthers. In his first game since Oct. 13, Brown saw a prominent role on offense with …

Home, not sweet home: Falcons keep losing in A-T-L
3 years ago

Home, not sweet home: Falcons keep losing in A-T-L

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Home is not-so sweet for the Atlanta Falcons. While it’s true the Falcons’ opponents in Atlanta this season have a better cumulative record than the road opponents, there’s still no excuse for losing three home games to teams that are no better than.500. we’ve got to play better, certainly, at home.” WHAT’S WORKING For the second game in …

Falcons fans might be shielding their eyes, ears vs Patriots
3 years, 1 month ago

Falcons fans might be shielding their eyes, ears vs Patriots

Associated Press  

Even the most die-hard Atlanta fans might avoid watching Thursday night’s matchup with New England. With rookie quarterback Mac Jones looking like the real thing despite the occasional misstep, and with a ball-hawking defense, the Patriots are on a four-game winning streak. “You can’t go back and win that game from 2017,” says Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, one of the …

Falcons see upset bid of Bucs dashed in 4th of 48-25 loss
3 years, 3 months ago

Falcons see upset bid of Bucs dashed in 4th of 48-25 loss

Associated Press  

TAMPA, Fla. — The Atlanta Falcons found themselves down by three in the fourth quarter with a real chance for a potential upset of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Everybody feels sick when you see that box score, but there were some positives,” Falcons first-year coach Arthur Smith said. They did a good job in the fourth quarter …

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