The TTampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats have one of the most exciting rivalries in the NFL’s NFC South. Every time these two teams face off, fans are treated to thrilling moments, standout performances, and intense competition. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats from their most recent matchups, specifically focusing on their games in the 2024 season, to give you a clear and engaging look at how these teams and their stars performed. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just someone curious about the game, this breakdown is designed to be easy to read and understand for all ages. Let’s get into the action!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Rivalry: A Quick Overview
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats have been battling it out since 1977, with their rivalry heating up in 2002 when both teams were placed in the NFC South. Over the years, the games have been closely contested, with neither team ever holding a lead of more than five wins in their head-to-head history. The 2024 season saw two epic clashes between these teams, with the Falcons sweeping the series. Below, we’ll break down the key player stats from these games, highlighting the standout performers and what made these matchups so memorable.
Game 1: October 3, 2024 – Atlanta Falcons 36, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 (Overtime)
The first meeting of the 2024 season was a high-scoring, overtime thriller at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both quarterbacks put on a show, and the game was a testament to the offensive firepower of these NFC South rivals. Let’s look at the key player stats from this game.
Atlanta Falcons: Key Performers
Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)
Kirk Cousins had a career-defining night, throwing for an incredible 509 yards on 42-of-58 passes, with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. His performance was a masterclass in precision, as he picked apart the Buccaneers’ defense, especially in the clutch moments that forced overtime. Cousins connected with multiple receivers, spreading the ball around and keeping the Tampa Bay secondary on its toes. His 509 yards were a standout, making him the star of the night and proving why the Falcons signed him to lead their offense.
Drake London (Wide Receiver)
Drake London was Cousins’ go-to target, hauling in 12 receptions for 154 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to find soft spots in the Buccaneers’ zone coverage was crucial, especially on a 32-yard gain early in the game that set the tone for Atlanta’s offense. London’s 154 receiving yards marked a career-high for the young receiver, and his touchdown in the first quarter gave the Falcons an early 7-0 lead.
Darnell Mooney (Wide Receiver)
Darnell Mooney also had a big night, catching 9 passes for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 12-yard score in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 27. Mooney’s speed and ability to shake off defenders made him a constant threat, and his 100-yard performance was his first of the season.
Bijan Robinson (Running Back)
On the ground, Bijan Robinson carried the ball 12 times for 61 yards, but his biggest contribution came as a receiver, catching 3 passes for 29 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown in the game. Robinson’s versatility kept the Buccaneers’ defense guessing, and his 29-yard reception in the third quarter set up a key scoring drive.
KhaDarel Hodge (Wide Receiver)
The game-winner came from an unlikely hero: KhaDarel Hodge. With star receiver Drake London sidelined, Hodge stepped up in overtime, catching a 45-yard touchdown pass from Cousins to seal the 36-30 victory. This clutch performance made Hodge a fan favorite and showed the depth of Atlanta’s receiving corps.
Younghoe Koo (Kicker)
Kicker Younghoe Koo was clutch, drilling 3 field goals, including a 52-yarder to force overtime. However, a 54-yard attempt was blocked by Tampa Bay’s Tavierre Thomas, which nearly cost the Falcons the game. Koo’s consistency was key in keeping Atlanta in the fight.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Key Performers
Baker Mayfield (Quarterback)
Baker Mayfield had an outstanding game despite the loss, completing 19-of-24 passes for 180 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning a stellar 137.5 passer rating. Mayfield was efficient, connecting with his top receivers and keeping the Buccaneers in the game. His three touchdown passes in the first half tied him for the league lead in passing touchdowns at that point in the season.
Mike Evans (Wide Receiver)
Mike Evans was a force, catching 5 passes for 62 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 2-yard and 4-yard touchdown receptions in the first and second quarters, respectively, helped Tampa Bay stay competitive. Evans’ performance pushed him to 99 career receiving touchdowns, tying him with Hall of Famer Don Hutson for the 11th-most in NFL history.
Chris Godwin (Wide Receiver)
Chris Godwin led the team in receiving, hauling in 5 catches for 64 yards. His physicality and ability to gain yards after the catch were evident, especially on a sweep play that set up a first down. Godwin’s consistency, with 5+ receptions and 50+ yards in all five games up to that point, made him a reliable target for Mayfield.
Rachaad White (Running Back)
Rachaad White was a standout on the ground, rushing 10 times for 72 yards, including a career-long 56-yard run. His 7.2 yards per carry average was a highlight for the Buccaneers, who racked up 160 rushing yards as a team, their highest total since 2022.
Sterling Shepard (Wide Receiver)
Sterling Shepard added a 4-yard touchdown catch, his first of the season, giving the Buccaneers a spark in the second quarter. His veteran presence was key in a game where Tampa Bay was without several key players due to injuries.
Chase McLaughlin (Kicker)
Kicker Chase McLaughlin was perfect, making 2 field goals, including a 53-yarder that gave Tampa Bay a 30-27 lead late in the game. His reliability kept the Buccaneers in contention.
Defensive Highlights
For the Falcons, David Onyemata recorded 1 sack and 2 solo tackles, disrupting Tampa Bay’s offense at key moments. Lavonte David for the Buccaneers made a huge play with an interception at the Atlanta 35-yard line, returning it 7 yards to shift momentum. However, the Buccaneers’ defense struggled to contain Cousins’ passing attack, while Atlanta’s defense forced a critical fumble by Mayfield, recovered by Kaden Ellis.
Game 2: October 27, 2024 – Atlanta Falcons 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26
The second matchup of the 2024 season was another nail-biter, with the Falcons holding off the Buccaneers 31-26 at Raymond James Stadium. This game saw both teams lean heavily on their passing games, but Atlanta’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and make clutch plays sealed the victory.
Atlanta Falcons: Key Performers
Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)
Cousins continued his strong play, throwing for 276 yards and 4 touchdowns on 23-of-29 passes. His touchdown passes included two to Kyle Pitts (36 and 49 yards), one to Darnell Mooney (30 yards), and one to Bijan Robinson (6 yards). Cousins’ ability to spread the ball around and make big plays in the red zone was crucial in Atlanta’s 5-3 record and their 4-0 mark in the NFC South.
Kyle Pitts (Tight End)
Kyle Pitts had a breakout game, catching 4 passes for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 36-yard touchdown in the first quarter came after a turnover, and his 49-yard score in the second quarter showcased his ability to stretch the field. Pitts’ performance was a reminder of why he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic tight ends.
Darnell Mooney (Wide Receiver)
Mooney added 5 receptions for 92 yards and 1 touchdown, including a 30-yard score that gave Atlanta a 21-14 lead. His chemistry with Cousins was evident, as he consistently found open space against Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Bijan Robinson (Running Back)
Robinson contributed 63 rushing yards on 13 carries and a 6-yard touchdown reception. His ability to contribute both on the ground and as a receiver made him a dual threat that Tampa Bay struggled to contain.
Jessie Bates III (Safety)
On defense, Jessie Bates III was a game-changer, forcing a fumble on the second play of the game and recovering it at the Tampa Bay 43-yard line. He also intercepted Mayfield at the Atlanta 8-yard line, halting a promising Buccaneers drive. Bates’ playmaking was critical in setting up Atlanta’s early lead.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Key Performers
Baker Mayfield (Quarterback)
Mayfield threw for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns on 37-of-50 passes, but his 2 interceptions proved costly. His touchdown passes included two to Cade Otton (8 and 4 yards) and one to Rachaad White (18 yards). Despite the turnovers, Mayfield kept the Buccaneers in the game, driving to the Atlanta 33 in the final minute before a Hail Mary attempt fell short.
Cade Otton (Tight End)
Cade Otton was a standout, catching 10 passes for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 8-yard touchdown in the first quarter tied the game at 7, and his 4-yard score in the fourth quarter brought Tampa Bay within five points. Otton stepped up in the absence of injured receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
Rachaad White (Running Back)
White added 49 rushing yards on 10 carries and an 18-yard touchdown reception. His versatility kept the Falcons’ defense honest, though Tampa Bay’s ground game was less effective than in the first matchup.
Bucky Irving (Running Back)
Rookie Bucky Irving showcased his elusiveness, rushing for 44 yards on 9 carries and adding 3 receptions for 22 yards. His jump cuts and vision behind his blockers were highlights of Tampa Bay’s offensive effort.
Trey Palmer (Wide Receiver)
Trey Palmer contributed 4 receptions for 62 yards, including a 25-yard catch that set up a field goal before halftime. His punt return to the Tampa Bay 39-yard line also gave the Buccaneers good field position.
Defensive Highlights
For the Buccaneers, C.J. Brewer recorded a sack on Cousins, collapsing the pocket to disrupt Atlanta’s rhythm. Antoine Winfield Jr. nearly forced a fumble at the goal line on Pitts’ 49-yard touchdown, though the play was ruled a score. For the Falcons, Jessie Bates III was again a difference-maker with his fumble recovery and interception, while the defense held firm on a missed 46-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo late in the game.
Head-to-Head : Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats in 2024
Here’s a quick table summarizing the key stats from the two games in 2024:
|
Player |
Team |
Game 1 Stats |
Game 2 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kirk Cousins (QB) |
Falcons |
509 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT |
276 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT |
|
Baker Mayfield (QB) |
Buccaneers |
180 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT |
330 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT |
|
Drake London (WR) |
Falcons |
12 rec, 154 yds, 1 TD |
DNP (Injured) |
|
Darnell Mooney (WR) |
Falcons |
9 rec, 105 yds, 2 TD |
5 rec, 92 yds, 1 TD |
|
Kyle Pitts (TE) |
Falcons |
3 rec, 38 yds, 0 TD |
4 rec, 91 yds, 2 TD |
|
Bijan Robinson (RB) |
Falcons |
12 car, 61 yds; 3 rec, 29 yds, 1 TD |
13 car, 63 yds; 1 rec, 6 yds, 1 TD |
|
Mike Evans (WR) |
Buccaneers |
5 rec, 62 yds, 2 TD |
DNP (Injured) |
|
Chris Godwin (WR) |
Buccaneers |
5 rec, 64 yds, 0 TD |
DNP (Injured) |
|
Cade Otton (TE) |
Buccaneers |
3 rec, 44 yds, 0 TD |
10 rec, 81 yds, 2 TD |
|
Rachaad White (RB) |
Buccaneers |
10 car, 72 yds; 1 rec, 18 yds, 1 TD |
10 car, 49 yds; 1 rec, 18 yds, 1 TD |
What Made These Games Stand Out?
The 2024 matchups between the Falcons and Buccaneers were defined by high-octane offenses and critical defensive plays. Kirk Cousins’ 509-yard performance in the first game was a career highlight, while Baker Mayfield’s efficiency and ability to spread the ball around kept Tampa Bay competitive despite injuries to key players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the second game. The Falcons’ ability to capitalize on turnovers, especially Jessie Bates III’s fumble recovery and interception in the second game, proved to be the difference-maker.
For fans, these games were a rollercoaster of emotions. The overtime thriller in Week 5 showed Atlanta’s resilience, with KhaDarel Hodge’s unlikely heroics stealing the show. The Week 8 matchup at Raymond James Stadium was a back-and-forth battle, with Tampa Bay’s late-game Hail Mary attempt falling just short. Both games highlighted the intensity of the NFC South rivalry and the talent on both rosters.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Rivalry?
The Falcons’ sweep of the 2024 season series gave them a significant edge in the NFC South, improving to 4-0 in the division and holding a tiebreaker over the 4-4 Buccaneers. With Kirk Cousins leading a dynamic passing attack and young stars like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts stepping up, Atlanta looks poised to contend for the division title. For Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield’s strong play and the emergence of players like Cade Otton and Bucky Irving offer hope, but injuries to key players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been a challenge.
The next meeting between these teams is set for September 7, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fans can expect another high-stakes showdown, with both teams looking to assert dominance in the NFC South. Keep an eye on players like Cousins, Pitts, and Mayfield, who have consistently delivered in these matchups.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats in 2024 were a showcase of offensive firepower, clutch performances, and the heart-pounding excitement that defines this rivalry. From Kirk Cousins’ 509-yard masterpiece to Baker Mayfield’s touchdown flurry, and from Kyle Pitts’ breakout game to Cade Otton’s emergence, these games had it all. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just learning about football, the stats and stories from these games are a perfect way to dive into the NFL’s most thrilling rivalries. Stay tuned for more action when these teams clash again in 2025!