NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons secured a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning 36-30 in overtime during their Week 5 Thursday Night Football matchup. The game took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, attended by 70,016 fans.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered an outstanding performance, completing 42 of his 58 passes for a total of 509 yards and four touchdowns. These statistics either set or matched his career highs. Cousins' passing yards were the highest in a single game this season across the NFL, tying him for most passing touchdowns in 2024. With these achievements, Cousins became the 13th player in NFL history to throw for over 500 yards and four touchdowns in one game.

According to OptaSTATS, Cousins is unique as the only quarterback in the Super Bowl era to throw at least 250 yards both before and after halftime. His first-half passing accounted for 253 yards, while he added another 256 yards after halftime and during overtime.

The Falcons also achieved a team milestone with three players each making at least five receptions and gaining over 70 yards in a single game—a feat last accomplished during their season-opening loss to Seattle Seahawks in 2020.

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans reached a personal milestone by scoring his 100th career touchdown. He joins an elite group as the 26th player in NFL history to achieve this mark.

The Falcons' offense amassed a total of 550 yards, setting an NFL high for the current season. The Seahawks hold the second-best total with their Week 4 performance against Detroit Lions.

In terms of odds, Next Gen Stats indicated that Atlanta's chances of winning their games against Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Buccaneers were extremely low at various points—yet they triumphed in all three contests.

Notably absent from action was any first-half pressure from the Falcons' defense on Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield—a first this season according to Next Gen Stats.

Cousins' performance coincided with Matt Ryan's induction into the Falcons Ring of Honor. Cousins surpassed Ryan's franchise record by six yards with his performance on Thursday night.

Baker Mayfield completed a solid performance despite Tampa Bay's loss, throwing for three touchdowns without facing much defensive pressure from Atlanta in the second half.

After regulation play ended without determining a winner, head coach Raheem Morris kept his comments about what he told Cousins private: "None of your business." When asked if this was a "team of destiny," Morris replied cautiously: "There is only one team of destiny every single year."

Both quarterbacks contributed jointly to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, highlighting priorities beyond football.

The Falcons will face Carolina Panthers next on October 13th after enjoying some downtime. Meanwhile, Panthers are scheduled to play against Chicago Bears this Sunday.