After Kirk Cousins lead the Atlanta Falcons to another 4-touchdown game and win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dave Archer of 92.9 The Game spoke to him in the locker room.
Asked about a near sack or possible scramble that turned into a pass to Bijan, Kirk commented that you “just have to be patient and drop the ball off sometimes.” Kirk was “really trying to not take the sack, so just give it to Bijan and most often, he will make something happen.”
Arch commented that this game was stressful with the back to back scoring and Tampa taking it to the last play. Kirk noted that it is stressful, but “fun to make big plays and have teammates make big plays.” He commented that the defense played really well too. Arch complimented Kirk on his game and reading the situations, noting two of the touchdowns that were not the first choices on the play. Kirk noted that Kyle’s first touchdown was the 4th progression and Bijan’s was his 5th. Kirk complimented the offensive line because he can’t get to 4th and 5th progressions without time.
Talking about the partnership with Darnell Mooney, Kirk said that they worked and talked about different angles that would work during practice that week. So when Kirk had a good pocket and Mooney had created that separation, Kirk knew it was time to throw it in that coverage for the touchdown.
Asked about bleeding the clock from 6:52 to 1:04 in the fourth quarter, Kirk replied, “the main focus is to bleed clock.” “You still needed to snap and play ball, gotta move the ball.” And noted that Charlie Woerner made a big play at the start of that drive, to get the offense down the field before starting several runs.
Overall about the team, “This team responds….it was tough coming back from last week, but we gotta pick ourselves back up off the mat, we are playing a good team, building from here.”
After the Atlanta Falcons swept the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and extended their lead in the NFC South, Dave Archer of 92.9 The Game spoke to Defensive Player of the Game, Jessie Bates. Bates had a forced fumbled, that he recovered and an interception in the game.
Jessie told Arch that he was surprised that the Bucs took the ball first, when they did, we knew we needed to set the tone early on defense. On his forced fumble, Jessie said “the guys made a good tackle and I focused on punching the ball and then it was out.” He said that he does that in practice all week, so it translated on the field. You can see Nate Landman punching at the ball too.
Arch was surprised that Buccaneers’ quarterback Baker Mayfield tried Jessie on that interception. Jessie walked us through it. It was a flea flicker with the down safety in zone. They jumped the motion and Micheal Hughes was on the post as the WIL, so Jessie knew the ball was coming. He simply tracked it and picked it out of the air. Which is not completely accurate, Jessie picked it right out of the hands of the receiver.
Arch asked Jessie about the run game difference, 62 yards in the first quarter and 40 yards the rest of the game. Jessie said “once we settle in as a defense, we can stop the run and lay a good defense.” He did say they needed to settle in earlier. It also helps when the offense is scoring so the opposing team isn’t running as much.
Kyle Pitts Stiff Arm – Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons
After a second win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dave Archer of 92.9 The Game spoke to Tight End, Kyle Pitts on Tight End’s Day.
Arch asked about these in conference, rival games, and Kyle said that it is “fun to play in them.” After two monster touchdowns, Kyle said “the ball was finding me, thanks to god for allowing it to happen now….the tight end gods.”
Asked about the two touchdowns, one with the big stiff arm, Kyle just knew he had to shove that guy away to make it in. On the other, where he nonchalantly carried the ball behind him the last yard or so, Kyle know that ball security is number one and next time “just need to run it through the back of the end zone.” He did get lit up by Rah after the play.
Arch asked Kyle about the bleeding of the clock the last 6 minutes of the game and Kyle said that this team is just “resilient – play as one – mindset as one.”
After the Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a second time this season to maintain and extend their lead in the NFC South, Dave Archer of 92.9 The Game spoke to Head Coach Raheem Morris.
Archer asking how they won that game, Coach Rah replied that just putting everything together and fighting all the way through. Asked about Tampa Bay moving the ball so well, Coach replied that Tampa has a good offense and plays the right way, and our defense has to find a way to get off the field.
Arch asked about allowing 62 rushing yards in the first quarter, but only 40 yards the rest of the game. Rah said “You have to bow and up do something” and they did.
How about that running quarterback Kirk Cousins? Coach replied that Kirk knows the process, we got him for that reason. He knew on that zone play that he needed to run it up the middle. He really knows situational ball.
Asked about taking 6 minutes off the clock on the final Falcons drive, Rah replied that was up to the OC and quarterback, knowing what to do and doing it.
Captains for the game are Jake Matthews, Grady Jarrett and Jessie Bates, they make the call on the coin toss and lose, Tampa Bay elects to receive the ball.
Tampa Bay begins on their own 30 with a Baker Mayfield hand off to Rachaad White for 8 yards, stopped by David Onyemata. On 2nd and 2, White goes up the middle, as he is going down Jessie Bates punches the ball out for a fumble. The Falcons take over at the 43.
The Falcons’ first play is a hand off to Bijan Robinson to the left for no gain. On 2nd and 9, Kirk Cousins rolls back to throw to Drake London for a 6-yard gain on the left side. On 3rd and 3, Cousins quick looks and misses London in the middle with lots of traffic. On 4th and 3 from Tampa’s 36, Cousins in the shot gun, London in motion, throws to Kyle Pitts at the 15 who runs in for the touchdown. The extra point is good and with 12:52 off the clock, the Falcons take the lead 7 – 0.
From their own 20, Tampa QB Baker Mayfield with the play fake, then pass to Bucky Irving, Nate Landman holds onto him with a Bates stop after a gain of 8 yards. On 2nd down, Irving with the run along the right side for the first down. From the 40, Mayfield hands the ball to White for a 5-yard gain, stopped by Grady Jarrett. Mayfield drops back to throw, cannot find anyone, so a near lateral throw to Irving and stopped behind the line by Demone Harris. On 3rd and 8, Mayfield passes near the first down marker, but stopped short. Mayfield with the QB sneak for the half yard, drops the ball, but falls on it. At midfield, a handoff to Irving who easily rushed through the line and gains 15 yards before finally getting pulled down by Landman. Too many defenders running around blocks and out of position to make the play. At the Falcons’ 39, handoff to Irving for a couple of yards, stopped by TQ Graham. Mayfield finds a receiver over the middle for a 6-yard gain, Arnold Ebiketie with the stop. On 3rd and 4, handoff to White, stopped by Richie Grant right at the first down marker. First down at the 24, another handoff for an 8-yard run to the left side. Hand off to Irving, up the middle again for 9 -yard gain, finally stopped by 27/21? From the 12, Mayfield in the shotgun, another handoff to White, for a short gain. On 2nd and goal from the 5, 3 receivers in, play fake, Mayfield flushed by Jarrett, Mayfield has to throw the ball away. On 3rd down, Mayfield looking into the middle of the field where Cade Otton catches the touchdown inside the goal line, with Bates in coverage.
Q1 4:22 Falcons 7/Buccaneers 7
On first down, the Falcons start with a play fake by Cousins to Darnell Mooney on the Falcons’ side of the 50, then runs to the Tampa 42, a 28-yard gain. Next is a hand off to Tyler Allgeier, who gains a few yards. On 2nd and 8, Cousins throws just off the hands of Mooney, slight arm tip by the defender as Cousins releases the ball – Chris Lindstrom off the block. On 3rd down, Cousins was nearly sacked due to Kaleb McGary not blocking at all, and throws the ball away. Bradley Pinion kicks the ball that lands and bounces for a stop at the 3-yard line.
On first down, Tampa rushes for no gain. On 2nd and 10, Mayfield from the end zone, throws up to Otton for a first down. From the 14, play fake, deep drop, Sean Tucker is wide open and makes the first down and stopped there by AJ Terrell. Tucker running for 4 yards, another stop by Terrell. On 2nd and 7, false start backs the Bucs up and the quarter ends.
End of Q1: Falcons 7/Buccaneers 7
Quarter two begins with Tampa at their own 19 with a 2nd and 12. Mayfield with a quick throw for 7 yards and immediately stopped by Clark Phillips. Mayfield with time, throws to midfield to Otton who carries several Falcons with him and is finally stopped after 29 yards by Ellis. Mayfeild gets by Matthew Judon for another 7-yard gain. On 2nd and 3, Irving easily goes up the middle for a first down, stopped by Dee Alford. From the 31, Mayfield hands off to Irving and gains a single yard, Alford in the nickelback position and trips him up behind the line. On 2nd and 9, Mayfield finds Otton in the middle of the line and –Smith sees he is not being blocked, so finds the receiver for the quick stop. On 3rd and 6, Otton catches and is shoved out of bounds by Phillips after the first down. At the Falcons’ 18, Mayfield throws a short pass to White who goes in for the 18-yard touchdown. Bates gets called for an unsportsmanlike conduct for knocking the ball out of White’s hands after the touchdown, as words are exchanged.
Q2, 10:28 Tampa 14/Atlanta 7
Starting at their own 30, Robinson takes the ball up the right side for 7 yards. on 2nd and 3, Ray Ray McCloud and Charlie Woerner on the right side, Robinson fights for 2 yards, stopped short of the first down. Robison to the left, Cousins in the shot gun, hands the ball to Robinson who runs through the line for the first down. Allgeier comes in, Pitts to the right, London on the left side. Fake to McCloud in motion, then drops off to McCloud in the left flat. McCloud gains 6 yards before being shoved out of bounds. Allgeier up the middle for a first down up the middle. In tempo, Cousins play fake to Allgeier, throws a bomb to Mooney near the goal line, but the defender knocks the ball out of Mooney’s hands. Ball was a tad short and late. Cousins in the shot gun, hits Pitts at the 35 who goes into the end zone for a called touchdown. The defender knocks the ball out right at the goal line as Pitts is carrying the ball behind him like a loaf of bread. After review, the touchdown stands.
Kyle Pitts Touchdown Reception – Courtesy of Shanna Lockwood
Q2 7:19 Atlanta 14/Tampa Bay 14
Mayfield play fake, finds a receiver, but it called back by penalty for rolling up on Judon’s ankles. First and 25 from the 15, a gain of 9 with a big stop by Kaden Ellis. On 2nd and 16, Mayfield throws up to the receiver at the 30 who gains another few yards. Now at 3rd and 7, Mayfield throws behind the receiver who was wide open due to man coverage, while 2 defenders crossed up in the outside route. Avery Williams at the 25, takes the punt up 14 yards to the 39-yard line.
Starting at their own 39, on first down, Cousins shoots for London at midfield for a 13-yard gain. Robinson and 3 receivers to the left, Cousins loops to Robinson for 6 yards. Next down, Mooney and London to the right, Cousins and Robinson in the pistol, Robinson takes the ball up 8 yards. First and 10 from the 34, in a busted play, Cousins runs right toward the sideline and slides down. On 2nd and 12, Pitts and London to the right with London in motion, Robinson gets the reception after a late, tight throw for 6. Then, on 3rd and 6, from the shotgun at the 30, Cousins waits, then finds Mooney at the 5 who takes it in for the touchdown.
Q2 2:09 Falcons 21/Buccaneers 14
From the 30, Mayfield’s pass is batted in the air at the line by Onyemata. White takes the ball up the right side and is met hard by Bertrand and stopped after a 4-yard gain.
2:00 minute warning
Third and 5 from the Tampa 34, Mayfield finds a receiver at the Falcons 40, stopped by Grant immediately. Ellis is sitting on the field injured, gets up limping, but doesn’t appear to be too injured as he heads to the tent. Mayfield drops back and throws the bomb into the end zone – but is way over thrown and incomplete out of the end zone. On 2nd down, a short pass and the receiver is immediately stopped by Bates who was running to the receiver before the ball was thrown. On 3rd and 8, Mayfield passes up for a 5-yard gain, laid out by Landman and Alford. On 4th and a long 3, Mayfield under center, trying to draw the Falcons’ defense offsides, call a time out. Buccaneers kick a 52-yard field goal.
Q2 1:04 Falcons 21/Buccaneers 17
Ray Ray McCloud takes the kick off up to the 30. With 58 seconds remaining in the half, in the pistol set, snap to Cousins, guns it to London at the 37 who goes out of bounds. Next pass is just off the fingertips of Pitts – too high. On 3rd and 3, Pitts has to double clutch the ball, but makes the first down in the middle of the field. On 1st down, Robinson runs out of bounds near midfield. At the Bucs’ 49, they call time out with 24 seconds remaining. First and 10, Cousins finds Mooney at the 28 for 21 yards. A quick pass to Pitts for 3 yards who goes out of bounds. Raheem Morris calls the Falcons’ final time out.
With 13 seconds remaining, Cousins is incomplete to London near the 5. On 3rd and 8 with 9 seconds left, the offense stays on the field. Cousins from the shotgun, out of bounds over Mooney. A defensive penalty gives a first down and moves the ball to the 21. Younghoe Koo comes on the field for the 39-yard field goal.
Halftime: Atlanta 24/Tampa Bay 17
McCloud takes the kickoff up to the 27, where the Falcons’ offense will begin the 2nd half of the game. A quick toss to Robinson on the left side goes for a 15-yard gain. A flag on Mooney for a 10-yard penalty. Now, first and 17 from the 21. Robinson is taken down after a 2-yard gain. From the pistol, Cousins finds McCloud for a loss of 3 yards, no blocking taking place in the last two downs. On 3rd and 21, Cousins hands to Robinson for 12 yards to give Pinion some space. Pinion punts to the 26, returner goes up to the 37, Allgeier for the stop.
Tampa’s first possession of the 2nd half begins on their 39. Handoff to Irving, Jarrett in the back field, but Irving spinning and avoiding tackles, for a ½ yard gain. On 2nd down, Mayfield from the gun, he ends up running the ball, stopped by Elliss, but there was holding on the offense so the Bucs are backed up to their 30. The hold was on Jarrett – who still almost made the tackle, getting a paw on Mayfield. White makes the next reception, with a gain of 7, forcing a 3rd and 12. All out blitz is coming, but the receiver makes the catch, just crossing the first down line. Ruke Orhorhoro is down, then assisted off the field, favoring his right leg. A play fake and Mayfield sips the ball to Irving who avoids and escapes tackles and is finally shoved out after 13 yards, by Landman. Inside the Falcons’ 38, Mayfield to Irving to Mayfield……and JESSIE BATES with the reception/INTERCEPTION.
Jessie Bates Interception – Courtesy of Jay Bendlin
From the 8, Robinson in motion, Allgeier gets nearly 5 yards to the 13. On 2nd down, Allgeier is the lone setback, London and Mooney to the right, hand to Allgeier who pushes up to the 18 for a first down, with Allgeier carrying the linebacker for the tackle. Cousins tosses to Allgeier to the right side for a 3-yard gain, shoved out of bounds. Woerner with good blocking. Allgeier barrels out to a yard short of the first, on the next play Allgeier gains the first down and another 10 yards. As Dave Archer says, “here comes the bowling ball of razor blades.” Next play is a bust with the first sack of the game. Matthew Bergeron and Ryan Neuzil cannot hold off the rushing defenders. On the next play, Robison gains 7 yards, but injuries on both sides pause the game. Chris Lindstrom is down for the Falcons. It’s 3rd and 12 from the 35, Kyle Hinton in for Lindstrom, Cousins finds McCloud for 5 yards. Pinion punts.
Tampa begins at their own 31, with the play fake, a quick dump off for a 5-yard gain, knocked out of bounds by Mike Hughes. Both backs are in the game, Irving with a short gain to the right, Zack Harris and Ellis for the quick stop. On 3rd and 3, Mayfield from the gun, with pressure, lobs the ball out early and the ball is over the receiver with Judon in tight coverage. On for the punt, the Bucs try a fake by snapping to the upback, and was blown up by KhaDarel Hodge.
From the Bucs’ 36-yard line, Cousins hands to Robinson and runs 36 yards for the touchdown. A flag on the play, for McCloud holding and tackling the safety. Backed up to the 46, it is 1st and 20, from the gun, Cousins hands to Robinson for a 5-yard gain. On 2nd and 15, a reception by Robinson for another 10 yards. Lined up quickly, Cousins finds Mooney for the first down at the 24-yard line. Mooney made the catch a yard short, looked at the down marker and stopped to adjust and go the additional yardage before getting knocked out of bounds. With a new set of downs, Cousins hands to McCloud on the sweep, he trips over McGary, gets up and keeps going to the 7. On first down, Allgeier is quickly stopped by Vita Vea. It’s 2nd and goal, Woerner and McCloud to the left, Mooney in motion, Cousin drops it to Robinson who runs to the goal line, stops to miss the defender tackle, then takes the final step into the end zone. Robison was the 4th option, but wide open on the left side. Bijan celebrates with the Dirty Dancing lift by Bergeron. (That was my take as I just watched the movie again yesterday afternoon.)
Q3 :014 Falcons 31/Buccaneers 17
After the kickoff, the Bucs begin on their 30 with a Mayfield pass to Irving for 6 yards, shoved out by Elliss.
End of Q3
From the 36, 2nd down and 4, the running back goes up 17 yards and finally taken out by Terrell. From the 47, Mayfield under center, he passes up the middle of the field for a 20-yard gain, tackled after a few yards by Grant. From the 27, Irving makes the 3-yrad reception and regret it as Terrell makes a hard stop. On the next play, from the 24 (to the 24), Mayfield drops back and throws to the 6 where AJ TERRELL makes another pick.
AJ Terrell With 2nd Pick of the Season – Courtesy of Jay Bendlin
The Falcons’ offense takes the field with nearly 13 minutes left in game from their own 6-yard line. Cousins is under center, hands off to Allgeier who was immediately wrapped up by Vea. Cousins hand to Allgeier who fumbles the ball, but is knocked out of the end zone for a touchback and safety. Allgeier never really had the ball, but luckily Mooney went after it and got it knocked out of the back of the end zone.
Q4 12:04 Atlanta 31/Tampa Bay 19
Pinion kicks to the 7, it is returned to the 27 being stopped by Antonio Hamilton and Hodge. First play is offsides and a 1st and 15 from the 22. Mayfield finds Irving, Alford gets his feet stopped and Hughes and make the shove out of bounds for a 1-yard gain. Mayfield in the gun, throws to the receiver with a sliding first down reception. With a 2nd and 6, Mayfield hesitates, then throws across midfield. From the 50, Mayfield underthrows the receiver. On 2nd down, Mayfield throws left for a 6-yard gain along the sideline against the soft corner. It is 3rd and 4, Mayfield looks up field, then runs to the 34 for another first down, stopped finally by Elliss. Throws over the head of White. Second down, loops it to white, Elliss and Jarrett wrap him up at the 26. Another 3rd and 4, pressure coming, the receiver makes the reception at the 9 with Grant on the tackle. The running back goes right for 5 yards, then short pass to Otton for another touchdown.
Q4 6:50 Falcons 31/Buccaneers 26
The Falcons begin on their own 30. London and Mooney left side, Cousins finds Woerner on the left side for a first down. Three receivers and a tight end, Woerner in motion, Robinson for a 7-yard gain, behind a good block by Hinton. On 2nd and 3 at midfield, snap to Cousins, Robinson on the right side, dragging defenders, short by 1 yard. Quick back to the line, Robinson busts through for several yards, almost broke away with a single defender on his ankle. From the Bucs’ 42, Robinson weaves through for several yards with another flag on the play. Personal foul for a facemask on Neuzil, pushing the Falcons back to the Falcons’ 43. It’s 1st and 25, Pitts and Allgeier in the game, Cousins finds London, who stays in bounds, for 11 yards. On 2nd and 14, Allgeier in the pistol with Cousins, Tampa shows man, Cousins steps in the pocket and runs to the 32, but is marked short. Tampa calls a time out.
With 3:05 to play, 3rd and 1 at the Tampa 33. Allgeier gets the call and doesn’t get the first down. On 4th and 1, Cousins under center, Atlanta calls a time out.
Two Minute Warning
Allgeier, two tight ends, Cousins barrels in with a big push with Woerner and Allgeier with the big pushes. Allgeier gets the first down call for no gain. Tampa time out. On 2nd and 10, Allgeier to the left for a 2-yard loss, tackled by Vea. Tampa time out. On 3rd and 12, Allgeier out, Robinson in, to the right side for a few yards. On 4th and 8. Falcons call a time out before the play clock expires. Koo on for the 47-yard field goal with 1:06 to go. Koo misses the field goal, giving the Buccaneers the ball at their own 36.
Mayfield throws up to the 40 tackled hard by Elliss. 45 seconds, Mayfield can’t find a receiver, finally over throws the receiver with Grant in tight coverage. With 40 seconds to go, 3 receivers on the left side, quick throw to the 47 for a first down, tackled by Hughes. Mayfield finds a receiver at the Falcons’ 33. Second level throws are killing the Falcons defense. With 9 seconds to go, Mayfield downs the ball and then Falcons call their final time out. At the 33, the Bucs are offsides and moved back to the 38. Second and 15, Mayfield in the pocket, has to throw out of bounds stopping the clock at :06. Grant and Bates and Terrell are in the end zone. The ball is thrown into a crowd of defenders and receivers and falls incomplete.
Safety Jessie Bates on 10.27.24
Head Coach Raheem Morris on 10.27.24
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