The Atlanta Falcons thrive on drama, and they certainly delivered a thrilling finale once again. For the second consecutive week and the third time this season, they pulled off a stunning last-minute comeback, and this one was the wildest yet.
Why? The Falcons found themselves trailing 24-17 at halftime after allowing 24 points in the first half. They were down 27-20 entering the fourth quarter, threw an interception on a fourth-and-long attempt, and faced multiple missed or blocked field goals from Younghoe Koo. Add in a flurry of penalties, drops, and execution errors, and it seemed like all hope was lost. But against the odds, they managed to drive into field goal range, and despite a frustrating delay of game penalty pushing them back five yards, Koo nailed a 52-yarder to send the game into overtime. A lucky coin flip, a couple of precise passes, and a 45-yard touchdown catch-and-run by KhaDarel Hodge later, they emerged victorious at 36-30.
This game marked not only the first time the Falcons allowed more than 24 points this season, but also the first time they scored over 30. While this combination made for a nail-biting evening, it also showcased the team’s adaptability and resilience—qualities we've seen glimpses of in the Arthur Smith and late Dan Quinn eras, but never with such consistency.
Winning is starting to become a trend for the Falcons, and their ability to shut down the Buccaneers' offense in the second half while keeping their passing game strong is a clear sign of improvement from both players and coaches. With playmakers like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts, and a standout performance from KhaDarel Hodge, all supported by quarterback Kirk Cousins, this team knows how to stay competitive until the very end. The shift from being overwhelmed by an opposing offense to regaining control mid-game is no small feat. This resilience led to an unlikely victory against the Saints last week and set the stage for a win against the division-leading Buccaneers.
Despite some defensive struggles in the first half and a shaky ground game, the Falcons looked much sharper than they did against New Orleans just a week prior. While this mistake-prone team won't always win in such thrilling fashion—they nearly gave this game away in several frustrating ways—there’s potential here. If they can minimize those errors and maintain this level of play, they could emerge as one of the NFC’s top teams. I acknowledge that their biggest challenges, such as the lack of a consistent pass rush and struggles in the ground game, won’t be easy to fix. Yet, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. Coming out of a tough early stretch against two AFC contenders and three NFC rivals, including a couple of divisional foes, with a 3-2 record shows they have a solid foundation to build on. The key will be whether the Falcons can reduce their self-inflicted mistakes; if they can make even slight improvements and adjust their lineup to bolster the pass rush, optimism is well-deserved.
While I’m mindful of the uncertainty that lies ahead, today is definitely worth celebrating. The Falcons now sit atop the NFC South with an undefeated 2-0 record against their division, and they have a great opportunity to extend that to 3-0 against the Panthers next week. This puts Atlanta in a fantastic position for the remainder of the season. The fact that they achieved this against a Buccaneers team they’ve faced some tough losses against in the past makes it even sweeter, and the thrilling nature of the victory calls for its own celebration. The Falcons are not only fun to watch again, but they might actually be good, which is a thought that should bring a bounce to your step this Friday morning.
Now, let’s dive into the full recap.
The Good
Kirk Cousins was sharper than ever, showcasing a remarkable improvement in the passing game during what can only be described as a breakout performance. By the end of the game, he had set a franchise record for passing yards in a single game, racking up 509 yards (surpassing Matt Ryan's previous record of 503 against the Panthers in 2016, when Ryan threw four touchdowns and had one interception). Cousins also managed to evade pressure a few times, and while he sometimes had to throw the ball away, it was a positive sign for his limited mobility. Against a weaker offense, his performance might have led to an easy victory, but even against the Buccaneers, it was enough to secure the win. If Cousins can keep playing at this level consistently, the Falcons could become one of the NFL’s most formidable teams.
Drake London is also heating up, despite briefly exiting the game with a concussion scare after a hit that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on Tampa Bay. He capped off his impressive night with a touchdown that showcased his strength, bowling over multiple defenders after the catch. London was both agile and reliable throughout the game, providing Cousins with the big target he needed. His ability to make crucial catches over the middle for first downs was significant, finishing with an impressive 154 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions. This level of production is what London has always been capable of, and now, with the right quarterback and offensive support, he’s finally delivering.
Kyle Pitts is back and making an impact. He looked more confident against the Buccaneers, actively working downfield and turning upfield with the ball. Cousins targeted him frequently, and the results were impressive. Pitts finished with 7 receptions for 88 yards, nearly doubling his season totals in both categories. As this passing attack gains momentum, expect him to play an even bigger role moving forward.
Darnell Mooney has been an excellent addition to the Falcons offense. In addition to stepping in as a defensive back in the third quarter and preventing a would-be interception, Mooney made a stunning touchdown catch early in the game. He scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter, where he left one defender on the ground and outpaced a couple of others. He consistently found ways to get open, providing Cousins with a reliable downfield target. Mooney also drew a critical pass interference penalty in the fourth quarter that kept the Falcons’ momentum going. Through the first five weeks, he has established himself as a formidable downfield threat who can break free at will. With his strong connection to Cousins, more standout performances are likely ahead. He finished the game with 9 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, fulfilling the role of the second receiver this offense has needed since Calvin Ridley’s departure.
While other receivers may have been more productive and Cousins' impressive performance will grab the headlines, KhaDarel Hodge deserves hero status for this game. The core special teamer consistently makes big plays when his number is called, and he had a nice 22-yard catch earlier in the game. However, it was his legendary overtime grab that stole the show: Hodge caught the ball, evaded a lunging defender, and sprinted 45 yards for the game-winning touchdown, aided by a key block from Ray-Ray McCloud. When the Falcons needed him most, Hodge delivered, exemplifying the A++ effort he’s known for after also scoring on a muffed punt in Week 4.
Jessie Bates had an outstanding game, forcing two fumbles by punching the ball out. His first effort was a sideline hit that gave the Falcons a chance to recover, though the Buccaneers ultimately got the ball back. The second forced fumble was crucial; Bates knocked the ball from Bucky Irving's hands late in the fourth quarter, and Kaden Elliss recovered it, giving Atlanta an opportunity to take the lead, though they couldn't capitalize. In a defense that has struggled to create big plays, Bates continues to provide those game-changing moments for the Falcons.
In the second half, the Falcons finally started generating pressure after a lackluster first half, which made a significant impact on the game. While David Onyemata was the only one to record a sack—and it’s encouraging to see him picking up momentum—Matthew Judon came close and deflected a pass, while Kaden Elliss had a couple of solid rushes. This pressure helped prevent Baker Mayfield from finding his rhythm as the game progressed.
Younghoe Koo will appear on the "ugly" list below after missing a field goal and having another blocked. However, it’s hard to overstate how clutch he can be. When the Falcons earned a nearly disastrous delay of game penalty, pushing a 47-yard attempt back to 52 yards with just one second left on the clock, Koo nailed it anyway, sending the game into overtime and giving Atlanta a chance to win. In those pressure-filled moments, I trust him completely.
The way this team is adjusting and learning is impressive. After a first half where Baker Mayfield easily picked them apart and the Falcons failed to generate any pressure, Jimmy Lake and Raheem Morris devised a winning game plan in the second half that stifled the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay settled for just two field goals afterward. On offense, Zac Robinson has been fine-tuning the strategy over the past month, leading to steadily improved results. Although the ground game struggled again, he had the passing attack firing on all cylinders for Cousins. Unlike past coaching staffs, who often failed to show in-game and long-term improvement, these coaches deserve credit for adapting on the fly despite the hiccups that still need addressing.
In the past two weeks, the Falcons have bounced back from mistakes that might have derailed earlier iterations of this team—and many others across the NFL. Their ability to dig themselves out of tough situations and turn near losses into last-second victories is becoming a habit; they’ve now won all three of their games in that manner, and it’s worth noting they stayed competitive against the Chiefs until nearly the end. This bodes well for the team’s future as the schedule eases in the coming weeks. Once they can clean up those frustrating errors, they may very well turn into something special.
The Ugly
Mike Evans should never find himself wide open, yet during the first drive, he had ample space on three different catches, including one where multiple defenders completely lost track of him in the end zone. When you’re facing one of the best receivers of your era, allowing him that much freedom is a troubling sign. The Falcons repeatedly failed to keep tabs on both Evans and Chris Godwin in the first half, which allowed Baker Mayfield to throw for three touchdowns.
This highlighted a dysfunctional defense that was simply horrendous in the first half on Thursday night. The Falcons surrendered 24 points in the first half alone, matching their season high for points allowed in an entire game. Coverage breakdowns, missed tackles, and a complete lack of pressure against the run contributed to this dismal performance. The ease with which the Buccaneers moved the ball and scored was alarming, emphasizing how crucial it is for the Falcons to play flawlessly due to their limited big-play and pass rush capabilities. While the defense improved in the second half, shedding some of that early-game stench, they need to maintain a higher level of play throughout all four quarters to avoid falling into a hole that this offense may struggle to escape.
Run defense was a persistent issue throughout the game, though it did improve somewhat after halftime. Overall, Atlanta allowed over 150 yards on the ground, including a frustratingly long run by Rachaad White, who had been largely ineffective this season, as well as a few easy gains from Baker Mayfield. While Ruke Orhorhoro was a bright spot in this game, the run defense still needs bolstering, and the return of Troy Andersen and Nate Landman should provide much-needed support.
The Falcons had their first rough night against opposing returners, highlighted by a costly 53-yard return by Sean Tucker that gave the Buccaneers excellent field position and led to an easy touchdown drive. This area will need improvement, but for now, it can be viewed as a one-off.
Younghoe Koo successfully hit field goals of over 50 and 48 yards, so there’s no need for alarm. However, he did miss his first attempt of the game, shooting left. An offsides penalty then moved him five yards closer for a re-do, which he missed in the same way. Koo was bound to miss one this season, but it’s puzzling that it keeps happening against the Buccaneers.
Atlanta needs to eliminate unnecessary mistakes that have proven costly. In this game, multiple ill-timed penalties extended Tampa Bay's drives or, more critically, derailed the Falcons' own drives, forcing them to settle for field goals when touchdowns were within reach. These errors, combined with missed tackles and execution blunders from players (like Darnell Mooney’s drops, particularly the second one) and Cousins (who nearly threw a pick to a covered receiver), undermine the solid efforts the team has made while moving down the field or making hard-fought stops. While these mistakes didn’t cost them this game or the previous one against the Saints, if they persist, they could lead to losses down the line.
Some of these errors stem from the coaching staff, which made questionable decisions on Thursday night. The first was opting to go for it on 4th and long in the fourth quarter, a highly unlikely conversion situation that felt unwise. Sure enough, Cousins threw an interception, and while the Falcons managed a stop afterward, they had to start their drive from their own 20 rather than a more advantageous position had they simply punted with three timeouts left. Even more baffling was the delay of game penalty on Koo’s final kick of regulation; it was as if they were expecting a clock reset that never came, pushing Koo back five unnecessary yards. Although he successfully made the kick, both situations could have easily led to a loss. As we commend the team for tightening up and reducing mistakes, it's crucial to recognize that the coaching staff also needs to improve their decision-making and awareness in critical situations, despite encouraging developments in other areas.