Quarterback Ryan shines as Falcons thump Buccaneers 43-28
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[November 05, 2016]
(The Sports Xchange) - Matt Ryan
threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Atlanta Falcons
to an easy 43-28 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Florida
on Thursday.
Atlanta (6-3) trailed 14-13 in the second quarter, but led at the
half and pulled away in the third quarter, when Ryan was
near-perfect, going 11-for-12 for 146 yards, with touchdown passes
to fullback Patrick DiMarco and receiver Julio Jones.
The Buccaneers (3-5), who gave up 626 yards of total offense in a
loss to the Raiders last Sunday, gave up 461 to the Falcons as they
continue to struggle, especially against the passing game.
Ryan came in leading the NFL in touchdown passes (19) and passing
yards (2,636) and exceeded his averages on both to help the Falcons
avenge an opening-week home loss to the Bucs. Julio Jones had eight
catches for 111 yards and his fifth touchdown of the season.
The Bucs got three touchdown passes from Jameis Winston, but the
Bucs couldn't stop the Falcons, who didn't punt while scoring five
touchdowns and three field goals.
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Winston left the game after injuring his right knee on a two-point
conversion in the fourth quarter -- the first time in his two-year
NFL career he has missed a snap, with backup Mike Glennon filling
in.
Bucs receiver Mike Evans had a career-high 11 catches for 150 yards,
but was evaluated for a concussion after taking a shot on a
one-handed catch. Evans entered the game tied for the NFL lead with
six touchdown catches and added two more in the first half Thursday.
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![](../images/110516pics/sports59.jpg)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball against
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James
Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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The Bucs dropped to 0-4 at home this season and are an NFL-worst
3-17 at home since the start of the 2014 season. The Falcons' 43
points is the most allowed by the Bucs since a 48-17 loss to the
Ravens in October 2014.
Tampa Bay had won three straight against their division rivals, all
since Winston took over as their quarterback last season. The Bucs
opened the season with three home losses, including Sunday in
overtime against the Oakland Raiders.
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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