The Atlanta Falcons had a chance to clinch the NFC South title when they faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their home field, but they failed to capitalize and lost 29-25. Baker Mayfield’s late touchdown pass to Cade Otton gave the Buccaneers a late lead, capping a 12-play, 75-yard drive.
After the game, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder and head coach Arthur Smith both agreed that their team could have won.
Ridder and Smith both stated that the Falcons had multiple chances to win the game, but Smith also credited the opposition for playing a solid game. “We had our opportunities, credit to Tampa.”
Prior to Otton’s touchdown, Ridder had scored on a 6-yard run and then completed a 2-point conversion pass to Drake London. The Falcons had a 25-22 lead after that play.
The Atlanta defense, on the other hand, was unable to stop the Bucs on their final drive. On a crucial third-down play, Mayfield completed a 32-yard pass to wide receiver Chris Godwin, giving the Bucs a first down at the Falcons’ 15-yard line. Mayfield then threw the game-winning touchdown pass two plays later.
Ridder completed 26 of 40 passes for 347 yards and one touchdown with one interception. Mayfield did not have as much success, completing 14 of 29 passes for 144 yards, but he did throw two touchdown passes and was not intercepted.
Rachaad White had 25 carries for 102 yards to help the Buccaneers’ running game.
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