NFL · 1 year ago

5 Things We Learned from Buccaneers vs. Falcons on Thursday Night

David Connelly

Host · Writer

Is Atlanta Abandoning the Run Game?
The Falcons were seemingly quick to abandon the run game despite never being down multiple possessions. Cousins attempted 58 passes, the third-most in franchise history for a single game, while Atlanta had just 18 rushing attempts as a team. That's a whopping 76 percent passing rate, a surprising number given their talented tandem of running backs in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. They were likely taking advantage of a beat-up Bucs secondary, but it may be something to monitor going forward.

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Todd Bowles Is Still Not Cut Out as an NFL Head Coach
Aided by the resurgence of Baker Mayfield and some elite pass-catchers, the Buccaneers have been a respectable team under head coach Todd Bowles. But last night, Bowles showed that he may be what's holding this team back. Tampa entered the game short-handed on defense, but to allow Kirk Cousins to throw for a franchise-record 509 passing yards is inexcusable. His defensive scheming was subpar, and the team was far too soft in coverage on the final drive of regulation. Someone has to take some accountability, and it falls on Bowles, the head coach and defensive coordinator.

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Kirk Cousins Is Fully Healthy... Watch Out
The sky was falling in Atlanta after Week 1 when it looked like Kirk Cousins was uncomfortable in the pocket and incapable of pushing off his back foot into his throws. Those days feel long gone after Cousins torched the Bucs secondary en route to 36 points, 509 passing yards, and a victory on Thursday night. This is the man they paid $45 million annually to have under center. If he consistently produces like this, the Falcons should be the favorite to win the NFC South.
Drake London May Be Finally Reaching His Potential
It's been a long time coming for Drake London, who many have been waiting on to take that next step in his development as a receiver. We may see that take place in 2024 after going for 12 receptions, 154 yards, and a touchdown in the victory. He's now up to three touchdowns across the first five games of the season and is building some strong chemistry with Cousins. He's on pace for 1,000 yards and his first trip to the Pro Bowl of his career.
Tampa Needs Antoine Winfield Jr. Back Badly
The Tampa Bay secondary was dismal on Thursday night, and it was clear that they needed Antoine Winfield Jr. back in the worst way. The All-Pro safety has been out with an ankle injury since Week 1, and his absence has been brutally noticeable on the defensive side of the ball. The sooner they can get him back on the field, the sooner they can avoid performances like this.
Is Atlanta Abandoning the Run Game?
The Falcons were seemingly quick to abandon the run game despite never being down multiple possessions. Cousins attempted 58 passes, the third-most in franchise history for a single game, while Atlanta had just 18 rushing attempts as a team. That's a whopping 76 percent passing rate, a surprising number given their talented tandem of running backs in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. They were likely taking advantage of a beat-up Bucs secondary, but it may be something to monitor going forward.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Todd Bowles Is Still Not Cut Out as an NFL Head Coach
Aided by the resurgence of Baker Mayfield and some elite pass-catchers, the Buccaneers have been a respectable team under head coach Todd Bowles. But last night, Bowles showed that he may be what's holding this team back. Tampa entered the game short-handed on defense, but to allow Kirk Cousins to throw for a franchise-record 509 passing yards is inexcusable. His defensive scheming was subpar, and the team was far too soft in coverage on the final drive of regulation. Someone has to take some accountability, and it falls on Bowles, the head coach and defensive coordinator.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

5 Things We Learned from Buccaneers vs. Falcons on Thursday Night

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