ATLANTA: If the Atlanta Falcons can string collectively their first three-game successful streak since 2019, they’d take an enormous step towards breaking a fair longer drought.
The first-place Falcons (6-6) lead the NFC South regardless of their so-so file heading into the ultimate month of the season.
With three of their ultimate 5 video games inside the division, beginning with a contest Sunday towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Falcons are in prime place to make the playoffs for the primary time in six seasons.
“We haven’t stacked three wins in a row,” quarterback Desmond Ridder mentioned. “We’ve got to be able to keep our head, come back home and be able to go out and get a third win.”
The Buccaneers (5-7) are coming off simply their second win within the final eight video games, holding off woeful Carolina 21-18 final Sunday.
Tampa Bay nonetheless has a shot at its third straight NFC South title, however this sport is actually a must-win with Atlanta holding the tiebreaker edge in head-to-head (after a 16-13 win over the Bucs in October) and divisional file (a 3-0 mark, in comparison with the Bucs at 2-1).
If the Falcons win Sunday, they might for all intents and functions maintain a three-game edge over Tampa Bay with 4 weeks to go.
“Divisional games are already important,” Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield mentioned. “But where we’re at, it’s extremely important for us.”
Atlanta struggled offensively in its final sport, however a stout defensive efficiency secured an unsightly 13-8 victory over the Jets.
The Falcons haven’t allowed an opposing landing the final two weeks, displaying that each one the cash they spent within the offseason on that aspect of the road has clearly paid off.
“Each and every one of these games is a playoff game for us,” linebacker Bud Dupree mentioned.
After 5 straight dropping seasons, the Falcons are thrilled to have an opportunity to play significant video games in December.
“We’re not doing victory laps,” coach Arthur Smith mentioned. “But it’s another huge game, right? That’s what you want to be in.”
BIG PLAY BATES
On the Falcons’ revamped protection, nobody is having an even bigger affect than security Jessie Bates.
He’s had interceptions in every of the final two video games, pushing him to 5 on the season. Only two gamers within the NFL — Dallas’ DaRon Bland with eight and Baltimore’s Geno Stone with six — have extra.
Bates additionally leads the Falcons with 92 tackles and three compelled fumbles.
PROLIFIC EVANS
Even although the Bucs not have Tom Brady at quarterback, Mike Evans continues to be one of many league’s high receivers.
Last weekend, he joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the one gamers in NFL historical past to place collectively a stretch of no less than 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving.
Also, the 30-year-old Evans turned the primary participant to start a profession with a streak of 10 straight years with no less than 60 catches.
“I get smarter each year,” Evans mentioned “If I’m healthy, I’m a real problem to deal with. I’ve just been blessed with health and learning how to take care of my body as I get older.”
BIJAN SHINES
The Falcons have been anticipating massive issues out of first-round choose Bijan Robinson, and the rookie operating again has certain delivered.
Robinson is the second participant in franchise historical past to compile 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his first 12 video games.
He leads the Falcons with 756 yards speeding, along with 35 receptions for 266 yards for a complete of 1,022 yards. The solely different Falcons participant to surpass 1,000 yards in his first 12 video games was William Andrews with 1,004 in 1979.
RIDDER’S STRUGGLES
Ridder has received each begins since reclaiming the No. 1 quarterback job, however he’s coming off a dismal efficiency towards the Jets.
He accomplished simply 12 of 27 passes for 121 yards and was sacked thrice, once more elevating doubts about whether or not he’s the long-term reply at quarterback.
“We’ve got to be able to push the ball down the field,” Ridder mentioned. “We’ve got to be able to get first downs and we’ve got to be able to get points.”
WINFIELD’S IMPACT
Fourth-year security Antoine Winfield Jr. has emerged as one among Tampa Bay’s most constant performers on protection.
He was one among two NFL gamers who had a sack and an interception final week, together with his second choose of the season sealing the victory.
“The game was on the line, and I knew a play had to be made,” Winfield mentioned.
The son of former Minnesota Vikings star Antoine Winfield Sr. is the primary defensive again since Brian Dawkins and Roy Williams in 2002 with three or extra compelled fumbles, three or extra fumble recoveries, a number of interceptions and a number of sacks in a season.
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AP Sports Writer Fred Goodall in Tampa, Florida, contributed to this report.
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AP NFL protection: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
