Week 5 of the NFL season kicks off with a huge clash in the NFC South between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. The 3-1 Buccaneers can take a big leap in the division race with a win over the 2-2 Falcons and a mini-bye week before visiting the 2-2 Saints in Week 6. The Falcons beat the Saints last week, and could get an early leg up in the division with wins over both Tampa Bay and New Orleans as the season passes the quarter mark.
The teams went into halftime with the Buccaneers up 24-17 in a shootout. Baker Mayfield continued his resurgence by going 12-for-15 for131 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, while Kirk Cousins was 21-of-28 for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Buccaneers wide receive Mike Evans also scored the 99th touchdown catch and 100th touchdown overall of his career.
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The Falcons punt in Tampa Bay territory after their drive stalls down. Looks like the Bucs will enter the locker room up by a touchdown, and will get the ball back to open the second half.
Hardly saw Baker Mayfield throwing on the move last week against the Eagles but a ton of it this week as he connects with Sterling Shepard for a 4-yard touchdown. Mayfield said last week that his old Sooners buddy “has a few screws loose” (and he likes it). Shepard totally agreed
TOUCHDOWN: Sterling Shepard scores two days after signing
Sterling Shepard has been on the Bucs’ 53-man roster for two days and has his first touchdown with the team. His college teammate Baker Mayfield is now 12-for-15 for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
Falcons five secondary members are huddled trying to sort out some things during the two-minute warning. Tampa Bay has third-and-goal from the 4 when the break is over.
The Falcons might be facing a shootout without their top receiving weapon.
No announcement on London yet but I don’t see him on the sideline and KhaDarel Hodge is strapping his helmet up. London was being evaluated for a concussion.
Mike Evans, again. It’s the 99th touchdown catch of his career and his 100th touchdown overall .It’s also his NFL-best fifth of the season.
Tampa Bay starts in its territory after big kickoff return. Atlanta’s offense is waking up, but Falcons defense and special teams not playing to their regular level.
Drake London is in the blue medical tent and they took his helmet after personal foul hit to the head. Usual sign that he’s been evaluated for a concussion.
Chase McLaughlin makes his fourth 50-yard field goal out of four this season, a year after going 7-of-8 from the same range. It’s his 26th straight regular season make, a Bucs record.
