The Atlanta Falcons snapped a three-game losing streak with a convincing 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons 2013 results: Atlanta beats up on Tampa Bay, 31-23
The Falcons got a much-needed morale booster in Week 7, taking care of the Buccaneers, 31-23, to snap a three-game skid.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons defense got to Mike Glennon early, forcing a fumble and returning it 31 yards for the first touchdown of the day. Matt Ryan played with a receiver corps missing Julio Jones and Roddy White, but he did hook up with Jacquizz Rodgers for another score in the second quarter.
The Bucs finally got on the board thanks to Vincent Jackson, who had a ridiculous one-handed catch for the 59-yard score. The Falcons answered back with a 39-yard strike from Ryan to Harry Douglas, giving them a 24-7 lead. Atlanta entered halftime leading, 24-10.
The Bucs got the ball to start the second half and drove down the field, getting a big fourth down conversion inside the 5-yard line. Glennon hooked up with Jackson once again to cut Atlanta’s lead down to 24-17. Rodgers extended the Falcons lead with his second touchdown of the game. That was good enough for the Falcons to hold on as the Bucs drop to 0-7 on the season.
Fantasy studs and duds
Harry Douglas was a big waiver pickup this week and did not disappoint, grabbing seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown. On the other side, Vincent Jackson had a monster performance with 10 catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Injury report
Doug Martin went down with a shoulder injury on an attempted pass catch. His return was questionable. Asante Samuel also left the game and was questionable to return.
Did they cover?
The Falcons entered the game as 6.5-point favorites, so they covered.
What’s next?
Tampa Bay vs. Carolina, Oct. 24, 8:25 p.m. ET
Atlanta at Arizona, Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m. ET
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