TAMPA, Fla. – The Bucs lost their third game in a row in what’s becoming a theme. The Bucs offense just can’t score enough points, and head coach Todd Bowles doesn’t know why?
“I couldn’t give you an explanation,” Bowles said. “We did practice well, but we’ve gotta bring it to the game on Sunday.”
Atlanta beat Tampa Bay on a Younghoe Koo 51-yard field goal in overtime. The Bucs had plenty of chances but couldn’t convert in the red zone once again.
The Atlanta Falcons appeared to have broken open a close game with a fourth-quarter TD run by QB Desmond Ridder. However, Ridder lost control of the football as he was crossing the goal line, and it was ruled a touchback.
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Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield was picked off by Richie Grant, and an opportunity to take the lead was squandered.
“All three phases had a hand in it, but we’ve got to be able to score points to win games,” Bowles said.
Atlanta scored on their first drive, going 58 yards in eight plays with a Desmond Ridder 2-yard run, but the Bucs answered. Baker Mayfield hit Mike Evans in stride for a 40-yard TD pass to tie it up 7-7.
Ridder found former Buccaneer WR Scotty Miller down the middle for a 46-yard gain, but Atlanta could only muster a field goal to go up 10-7. The Bucs drove 76 yards,, taking up 6:37, but once again couldn’t score a touchdown in the red zone, settling for a 24-yard Chase McGloughlin field goal to tie it up 10 -10.
Bucs Deven Thompkins fumbles on a pass from Mayfield to start the second half. Falcons recover and drive to the one-yard line.
But then Falcons Ridder fumbles and Bucs YaYa Diaby recovers it at the 3-yard line. The Falcons Koo nails a field goal for Atlanta to take a 13-10 lead.
Baker Mayfield threw for 275 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
“Too many penalties,” Mayfield said. “Simple things, a lot of pre-snap penalties for us which is just sloppy. Can’t have it. It’s on me for not being on the same page with everybody.”
The Falcons played the majority of the game without their star rookie running back Bijan Robinson who had only one carry for 3 yards. Ridder threw for 250 yards without a pick.
Short time for recovery for the Bucs, having to go to Buffalo to take on the Bills Thursday Night.
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