Jack Baer
Buccaneers vs. Falcons: Atlanta stuns Tampa Bay in OT in huge night for Kirk Cousins on Thursday Night Football
A win for either team would be a big early statement in the NFC South race
The Atlanta Falcons were down three points, with less than two minutes left and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in possession of the ball. You'll never guess what happened next.
After a furious drive to send the game to OT, the Falcons stunned their NFC South foes on a 45-yard KhaDarel Hodge touchdown to win 36-30. The biggest star of the night: Kirk Cousins, who shook off a slow start to his Falcons tenure with one of the biggest nights of his career.
The former Minnesota Vikings starter finished 42-of-58 for 509 passing yards, four touchdowns and an interception. He picked the Bucs apart in the drive to force OT, then hammered them again after the Falcons won the second coin toss.
The Falcons' comeback erased an excellent night for Baker Mayfield, who was 19-of-24 for 180 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Tampa Bay run game also combined for 160 yards on 26 attempts. But some late missteps spelled doom for a team that no longer leads the NFC South.
Here's how it all played out on Yahoo Sports.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER69 updates
Kirk Cousins: 42-of-58 for 509 yards, four touchdowns and a pick, plus a game-tying drive with a minute left and no timeouts then the game-winning drive. It's been a rough start for him, but he made a statement tonight.
- Jack Baer
TOUCHDOWN: Falcons stun the Bucs in OT
KhaDarel Hodge breaks a tackle and finds an opening the Tampa Bay defense to steal a win. What an ending, what a game.
ITS OVER FOLKS! @ATLANTAFALCONS WIN! pic.twitter.com/0siBNxaHKQ
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Uh oh. Drake London made a big catch on third down, but he's still down after taking a big hit. He was evaluated for a concussion earlier this game.
He's at 154 yards now, but that may be it.
- Jack Baer
Falcons win the toss to open OT and can win it here.
- Jack Baer
KOO IS CLUTCH!!!@NFL | @AtlantaFalcons | #TNFonPrimepic.twitter.com/je71mlP61s
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
The Falcons get called for delay of game, pushing Koo's attempt to 52 yards. He makes it.
To overtime we go.
- Jack Baer
Another pass to London gains 15 yards and Kirk Cousins spikes the ball with one second left. In comes Younghoe Koo to force OT.
GOT THE FIRST DOWN AND SPIKED WITH ONE SECOND TO GO
OMG pic.twitter.com/lJafzVlvip— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
The Falcons are in Tampa Bay territory...
Falcons are making moves down the field with :20 to go 👀#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4HWI17VCvc— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
The Falcons get the stop and the ball back, but burn through three timeouts. They'll take over on their own 20 with 1:14 left and three points to score.
- Jack Baer
INTERCEPTION: Bucs get the pick on 4th-and-15
The Falcons do go for it and... Kirk Cousins throws a pick to Lavonte David. Atlanta still has three timeouts, but the Bucs are sitting pretty here.
CHAOS AGAIN! @Buccaneers with the pick!!!#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/YR1Cnys7NE— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
We've reached the two-minute warning, with the Falcons facing a 4th-and-15 and 80 yards from the end zone. Do they go for it?
- Jack Baer
TURNOVER: Falcons recover a Bucky Irving fumble
Just as it was looking bleak, Jessie Bates punches the ball out of Bucs rookie Bucky Irving's hands and the Falcons recover it. The Falcons get the ball back in their territory with 2:50 left and down by three.
CHAOS 😱 @AtlantaFalcons recover the fumble!#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LQXIW0OhbN— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
This can't happen in this situation.
Oh no, Darnell Mooney pic.twitter.com/9fBdXfOSKg
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Oh, that was a brutal drop from Darnell Mooney. Kirk Cousins throws him wide open on 3rd-and-6 and he just whiffs on the catch. And now the Falcons' 54-yard field goal attempt is blocked.
WOW! A huge blocked FG for the @Buccaneers 😳#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wD5MX2KDEU— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Drake London is up to eight catches on nine targets for a season-high 110 yards and a touchdown.
- Jack Baer
Kirk Cousins' third down pass intended for Mooney falls incomplete. Bucs defender got there too early though. That's DPI. New life for the Falcons.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
FIELD GOAL: Chase McLaughlin good from 53 to give Bucs the lead
The Bucs are on top again as McLaughlin remains automatic. Now to see how the Falcons respond.
- Ian Casselberry
4th-down risk pays off with a Falcons TD
Falcons were running the ball well, but stalled out at the Tampa Bay 12 after Tyler Allgeier was tackled for a 2-yard loss.
But Atlanta decides to go for it on 4th-and-4 and Kirk Cousins hits Darnell Mooney for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Mooney had the first down, but then turned to shake off Tykee Smith and got to the end zone.
ANOTHER ONE, THANK YOU
🌙 @Darnell_M1 #TNFonPrime | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/ih09i7JfuG— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 4, 2024
We are tied 27–27.
- Ian Casselberry
Tampa Bay 27, Atlanta 20 after 3 quarters
The Falcons finish off the 3rd quarter strong with a 22-yard catch and run by Ray Ray McCloud, followed by a 29-yard dash by Bijan Robinson.
Bijan on the run 🏃➡️#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6sr25le1BS— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
Atlanta is at the Tampa Bay 46-yard line as the fourth quarter begins.
- Jack Baer
FIELD GOAL: Buccaneers respond with their own FG, but Baker Mayfield may be hurt
The Buccaneers have had little trouble moving the ball tonight. They respond to the Falcons FG with a nine-play, 56-yard drive, but finish short of another TD. Baker Mayfield also limped off the field after taking a third-down sack.
- Jack Baer
FIELD GOAL: Falcons cut the deficit
Younghoe Koo is good from 48 yards after a 12-play drive for the Falcons. We've still got a game.
- Jack Baer
Odd play. Baker Mayfield scrambles and runs out-of-bounds short of a first down, but takes a hit as he goes out and picks up the flag. The refs pick the flag up, though, so the Bucs will punt on the first drive of the second half.
- Jack Baer
Falcons just inducted QB Matt Ryan into their Ring of Honor here at halftime of game vs. Bucs. pic.twitter.com/gqiNDNbM8G
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
HALFTIME: Bucs 24, Falcons 17
The Falcons punt in Tampa Bay territory after their drive stalls out. Looks like the Bucs will enter the locker room up by a touchdown, and will get the ball back to open the second half.
- Jack Baer
Hardly saw Baker Mayfield throwing on the move last week against the Eagles but a ton of it this week as he connects with Sterling Shepard for a 4-yard touchdown. Mayfield said last week that his old Sooners buddy "has a few screws loose" (and he likes it). Shepard totally agreed
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
TOUCHDOWN: Sterling Shepard scores two days after signing
Sterling Shepard has been on the Bucs' 53-man roster for two days and has his first touchdown with the team. His college teammate Baker Mayfield is now 12-for-15 for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
Baker connects with @sterl_shep3 for the TD! It's like these two are back playing college ball 🏈#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/d7Z8TfP5yc— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Falcons five secondary members are huddled trying to sort out some things during the two-minute warning. Tampa Bay has third-and-goal from the 4 when the break is over.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
That's our third suspected concussion of the game.
Buccaneers S Tykee Smith is being evaluated for a concussion.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Big BIG run for Rachaad White. He's been off to a rough start this season but breaks off a 56-yarder on a well-blocked inside run.
A 56-yard gain for Rachaad White 👀#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/mN2xqKXrwg— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
FIELD GOAL: Younghoe Koo good from 54 yards
Apparently 50-yard field goals are just a gimme in the NFL now. We've got another tie game.
- Jack Baer
Aaand the call is upheld. Falcons ball, 2nd-and-20, 7:35 left in the half, Drake London back.
- Jack Baer
A lot happening on that play. Hard to see this going the Bucs' way but you never know
Bucs are challenging the ruling of a forward pass. If overturned will be TB's ball. https://t.co/2xQg7KVi6H
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Drake London just sprinted out of the Atlanta locker room.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
The Falcons might be facing a shootout without their top receiving weapon.
No announcement on London yet but I don't see him on the sideline and KhaDarel Hodge is strapping his helmet up. London was being evaluated for a concussion.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
TOUCHDOWN: Mike Evans scores his 100th TD
Mike Evans, again. It's the 99th touchdown catch of his career and his 100th touchdown overall .It's also his NFL-best fifth of the season.
ONE HUNDRED TDs!!! 💯 @MikeEvans13_#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/0uBitAnBvJ— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Tampa Bay starts in its territory after big kickoff return. Atlanta's offense is waking up, but Falcons defense and special teams not playing to their regular level.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Kirk is looking good.
Kirk Cousins (276) just passed Vinny Testaverde (275) for 18th all-time in passing TDs.
He is 12-of-15 tonight for 176 passing yards and two TDs.— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
TOUCHDOWN: Kirk Cousins finds Darnell Mooney on 3rd-and-14
The Falcons might be down their No. 1 receiver in Drake London, but they still have Darnell Mooney. He makes a spectacular catch from 25 yards out.
What a catch by Darnell Mooney! 😱#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/YdkrfoRFXn— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
#Falcons CB Dee Alford (concussion) OUT. WR Drake London being evaluated for a concussion.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Drake London is in the blue medical tent and they took his helmet after personal foul hit to the head. Usual sign that he’s been evaluated for a concussion.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Drake London takes a hit to the helmet and draws an unnecessary roughness penalty. He looked a little foggy walking to the sideline.
- Jack Baer
Bucs have exclusively been in zone so far and Kirk is 8-of-9 for 115 yards and a TD.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
FIELD GOAL: Bucs take the lead on a 53-yarder
Chase McLaughlin makes his fourth 50-yard field goal out of four this season, a year after going 7-of-8 from the same range. It's his 26th straight regular season make, a Bucs record.
- Jack Baer
This defense may be the league's best on limiting explosives of 20+ yards, but these pickups of 15ish every few plays by the Bucs are keeping them on the field.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Dee Alford into the locker room for the Falcons.
Antonio Hamilton Sr. is taking over at nickel corner.— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Rough end to the drive for the Falcons there. After the Vea sack, Younghoe Koo misses a 46-yard FG, gets a second try thanks to an offside penalty, then misses a 41-yarder.
- Jack Baer
A 3rd-and-5 at the edge of the red zone for the Falcons ends with a Vita Vea sack.
Having Bijan Robinson pick up Vita Vea could not have been the plan there.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
Falcons CB Dee Alford has a head injury and is questionable to return.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
TOUCHDOWN: Mike Evans ties it with wide-open catch
Mike Evans has 10 consecutive 1000-yard seasons. So you probably want to cover him in the end zone. Looks like the Falcons defense just lost him. Tie game.
When you find @MikeEvans13_ WIDE OPEN in the end zone 🙌 Bucs tie it up!#TBvsATL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/16tqnhhNSO— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
- Jack Baer
After 15-yard-plus passes to Cade Otton and Chris Godwin, the Bucs are down to the Falcons' 1.