Week 5 of the NFL season begins with an epic clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. The 3-1 Buccaneers can take a big jump in the division race with a win over the 2-2 Falcons and a mini-bye week before facing the 2-2 Saints in Week 6. . The Falcons defeated the Saints last week and could win the championship. Once the season passes the quarter mark, they improve their standing in the division early on with wins over both Tampa Bay and New Orleans.
The teams entered halftime with the Buccaneers leading 24-17 in the shootout. Baker Mayfield continued his resurgence by going 12-of-15 for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, while Kirk Cousins went 21-of-28 for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans also recorded his 99th career touchdown catch and 100th career touchdown.
Live53 update
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:50 PM EDT
FIELD GOAL: Chase McLaughlin scores a great goal with 53 seconds left to give the Bucks the lead.
The Bucs are on top again as McLaughlin remains automatic. Now, let’s see how the Falcons respond.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:43 PM EDT
4th down risk pays off with Falcons TD
The Falcons were running the ball well, but stalled when Tyler Allgaier was tackled at the Tampa Bay 12 for a loss of 2 yards.
But Atlanta decided to go for it on fourth-and-4, and Kirk Cousins hit Darnell Mooney with a 12-yard touchdown pass. Mooney got the first down, but then turned and waved past Tykie Smith to reach the end zone.
It’s a tie at 27-27.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:35 PM EDT
Tampa Bay 27, Atlanta 20 after 3 quarters.
The Falcons finished the third quarter strong with Ray Ray McLeod’s 22-yard catch and run followed by Bijan Robinson’s 29-yard dash.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Atlanta was at Tampa Bay’s own 46-yard line.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:29 PM EDT
FIELD GOAL: Buccaneers fight back with their own FG, but Baker Mayfield could be injured
The Buccaneers had little trouble moving the ball tonight. They responded to the Falcons’ FG with a nine-play, 56-yard drive, but fell just one TD away. Baker’s Mayfield also limped off the field after suffering a third-down sack.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:18 PM EDT
FIELD GOAL: Falcons cut deficit
The Falcons’ Yonghoe Koo had a good run from 48 yards after a 12-play drive. There are still matches left.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:05 PM EDT
Strange play. Baker’s Mayfield scrambles and runs out of bounds short of a first down, but takes a hit as he goes outside and picks up the flag. However, the flag was picked up by the referee, and the Bucs ended up punting on their first drive of the second half.
Thursday, October 3, 2024, 9:59 PM EDTThursday, October 3, 2024, 9:45 PM EDT
Halftime: Bucks 24, Falcons 17
The Falcons punted inside Tampa Bay territory after the drive stalled. It looks like the Bucks will be in the locker room by a touchdown and get the ball back to start the second half.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:37 PM EDT
Baker Mayfield didn’t see much of his throw against the Eagles last week, but he showed off his movement this week by connecting with Sterling Shepard for a 4-yard touchdown. Mayfield said last week that his old Sooners friends have “some screws loose” (and he likes it). Shepard completely agreed.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 4, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:36 PM EDT
Touchdown: Sterling Shepard scores two days after signing
Sterling Shepard was on the Bucs’ 53-man roster for two days and scored his first touchdown with the team. His college teammate, Baker Mayfield, is currently 12-of-15 for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:34 PM EDT
The Falcons’ secondary five members huddle together during the two-minute warning to sort out some things. After the break, Tampa Bay got a third and a goal from four different players.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:29 PM EDT
This is the third suspected concussion of the game.
Buccaneers forward Tykie Smith is being evaluated for a concussion.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) October 4, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:29 PM EDT
Big big run by Rashard White. After a rough start to the season, he capped off a 56-yard run with a well-blocked inside run.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:26 PM EDT
FIELD GOAL: Younghoe Koo Good goal from 54 yards
Apparently, 50-yard field goals are just a gimme in today’s NFL. There will be another drawn match.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:21 PM EDT
Alas, the call was put on hold. Falcons ball, 2nd-and-20, 7:35 left in the first half, running back Drake Rondon.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:20 PM EDT
A lot happens in that play. It’s unlikely this will go the Bucks’ way, but you never know.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:19 PM EDT
Drake London sprinted out of the Atlanta locker room.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:13 PM EDT
The Falcons could face a shootout without their top receiving weapon.
No announcement has been made in London yet, but he can’t be seen on the sideline, with CaDarrell Hodge strapping on his helmet. London was being evaluated for a suspected concussion.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:12pm EDT
Touchdown: Mike Evans scores his 100th TD.
Mike Evans again. It was the 99th touchdown catch of his career, 100th overall, and an NFL-high fifth this season.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 9:09 PM EDT
After a big kickoff return, Tampa Bay starts in their own half. Atlanta’s offense is waking up, but the Falcons’ defense and special teams are not playing at their usual level.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 4, 2024
