Atlanta Falcons

5 Reasons why the Falcons beat the Buccaneers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:37 p.m. ET

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Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) spikes the ball after they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons seized control of the NFC South with a resounding 43-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night. Let’s look at how this happened.

Tonight’s game against Tampa Bay was a must win game in my eyes for the Falcons. After losing in embarrassing fashion to the Bucs on the opening weekend of the season, Atlanta could not afford to lose. Thankfully, they put together a strong performance and took control of their division.

If you don’t think Matt Ryan is an MVP candidate after watching the game tonight, you should probably stop watching football. The Boston College alum was stellar all night and the Falcons offense was humming from the get-go. With so many weapons and a strong offensive line, this offense can move and score on anyone.

What was the most encouraging part of the game, for me anyways, was the Falcons defense. Yes, they still allowed 28 points and Jameis Winston still played well, but the improvement is there. The young dirty bird defense was flying around, laying massive hits all evening. If this defense can improve enough come playoff time, this could be a special season in Atlanta.

I could keep rambling about this fun victory all night on this page. But, such as tradition, let me do my rambling in the form of our weekly 5 reasons slideshow for your reading pleasure. Onward!

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Revenge Factor

As I mentioned earlier, the Falcons lost to Tampa Bay in Week 1. They also lost to the Bucs both times last season. So not only was this game important for this season, it was also about sending a message to a division rival.

It was clear that there was an edge to how the Falcons were playing tonight. They flew around on defense, laid massive hits (I see you Keanu Neal) and played masterfully on offense. After the dust settled, Atlanta held a hefty 40-14 lead before the took their foot off the gas and coasted to victory-town.

With familiar faces such as Dirk Koetter, Mike Smith and Brent Grimes on the other side of the ball, it is always nice to get a win. Revenge might not have been the message Dan Quinn preached to his team this week but you have to think it was a factor into why the Falcons won in impressive fashion this evening.

Credit where credit is due, that was a great catch. But look at that hit… pic.twitter.com/FmUxFGwcHc

— Carlton (@SlopingGiraffe) November 4, 2016

Next: 4. Forcing Turnovers

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (43) carries the ball as Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) and Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) tackles during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Forcing Turnovers

A huge emphasis from Coach Dan Quinn has always been the ball. It’s all about the ball. The Falcons are already starting to look fast and physical, so getting the ball via turnover is the next step to becoming a better team.

By forcing two fumbles tonight, the Falcons snuffed out two promising Tampa Bay drives and capitalised with points. The more they can do that, the tougher they are to beat. With an offense as great as the one Atlanta has, more possessions spell trouble for the opposing team.

The turnovers forced tonight might not have been flashy but they definitely helped the cause and allowed Atlanta to win this game.

It was pic.twitter.com/NTzBzpQz5D

— Carlton (@SlopingGiraffe) November 4, 2016

Next: 3. Offensive Versatility

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Offensive Versatility

One of the main problems for Atlanta last season was that they were too one-dimensional. They force-fed Julio Jones passes so much that you would swear he was the only receiver on the team some games. But now, the Falcons have so many weapons they don’t know what to do with their hands.

Matt Ryan threw 4 touchdowns to 4 different receivers tonight. Taylor Gabriel scored on a fantastic sweep play and Devonta cut and sliced his way to over 100 yards of total offense. With this kind of versatility on offense, it’s not hard to see why the Falcons have the best offense in the NFL. Opposing defenses have to account for everyone because this offense can attack you in a myriad of different ways.

The versatility of this team was the main reason why they were victorious not only tonight but 5 other times so far this season. Let’s hope this keeps up this season and beyond.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) for a touchdown during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Big Plays

The Falcons lead the league in plays of over 25 yards. They have an innate way of making this seem way too easy. That was the case gain tonight as they sliced up the Tampa Bay defense to the tune of 461 yards 43 points.

Play action passes to Julio, the many tight ends and Mohamed Sanu could be scoring plays at any moment. The threat of Atlanta’s running game keeps defense’s honest and forced to commit to the run, and this is when the Falcons strike on their big plays the most.

This offense is such a joy to watch and I am pretty upset we have to wait 10 more days to see it on the field again.

Play action pass to @Mo_12_Sanu pic.twitter.com/E38mxgp7jZ

— Carlton (@SlopingGiraffe) November 4, 2016

Next: 1. Matt Ryan

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a touchdown pass to Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (not pictured) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

1. Matt Ryan

MVP! MVP! MVP!

I have said it all season but it’s becoming clearer by the week. Matt Ryan is a man on a mission this season. He has already eclipsed his touchdown pass total from last season (21) with now 23 thrown TD passes to only 4 interceptions. Mr. Ice was on fire (I don’t know how that works either just go with it) again tonight throwing for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Week by week Ryan becomes more comfortable in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and that’s bad news for the rest of the league. I can’t stress enough how much more calm and collected he looks this season compared to last season. He is my (biased, probably) MVP pick and will remain my pick as long as the Falcons keep winning.

Ryan was definitely peeved by the first meeting between these two teams and seemed to take that frustration out by carving up the Bucs tonight like a Christmas goose. No other QB, outside of the robot that is Tom Brady, is playing better than Ryan this year. Tonight was just another example of that.