.Michael RothsteinCloseMichael RothsteinESPN Team WriterMichael Rothstein is actually a press reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Rothstein covers the Atlanta Falcons. You can follow him via Twitter @MikeRothstein. Jenna LaineCloseJenna LaineESPN Workers WriterJenna Laine deals with the Tampa Gulf Buccaneers for ESPN. She began covering the Bucs for ESPN in 2016, but she has dealt with the group given that 2009. Comply With Jenna on Twitter: @JennaLaineESPN. Oct 3, 2024, 11:46 PM ETATLANTA-- The Atlanta Falcons as well as Tampa fl Gulf Buccaneers created early that Thursday evening's activity would certainly be a repulsive slugfest with both groups scoring touchdowns on their first properties, so it appeared suitable the NFC South showdown would be made a decision by a long TD pass.Kirk Cousins tossed his 4th goal of the activity, a 45-yard rating to KhaDarel Hodge, who had gotten into the contest after an injury to Drake Greater london, to provide the Falcons a 36-30 overtime victory.Younghoe Koo's 52-yard basket as opportunity ended in regulation compelled overtime, and Relatives handled the rest as he established a franchise report with 509 passing lawns to remove Atlanta (3-2) into a dead heat atop the division.Kirk Relatives notched his fifth consent passing goal in the ultimate moment of regulation/OT in the last 5 times, which is actually the most in the NFL. AP Photo/John BazemoreAtlanta FalconsThe variation between making the playoffs and not, in between gaining a branch as well as not, lies in activities like this one, and also Atlanta ga possesses currently possessed its own allotment of them.The Falcons have actually trailed within the last minute of the 4th quarter with all 3 of their triumphes this time. They are the first string in NFL past to possess three wins within their first 5 video games of a time through which they routed in the last minute of the 4th quarter.At 3-2, with dramatic back-to-back gain New Orleans and also Tampa Florida Gulf, Atlanta georgia possesses an early lead in the NFC South because of sudden deaths over the Saints and also Buccaneers. That could possibly confirm essential in December and also January in what seems a limited division.QB malfunction: Relatives looked healthy and balanced as well as back to being the quarterback the Falcons gave a $180 thousand arrangement to in the offseason. He accomplished 42 of 58 passes for 509 lawns, 4 goals as well as 1 interception.It's the 6th opportunity he has actually tossed for 350 backyards and also three goals in a prime-time video game, tying Patrick Mahomes as well as Peyton Manning, according to ESPN Research.Eye-popping stat: Drake London remains to be prevalent when he encounters Tampa florida Gulf-- three of his 4 career 100-yard video games have actually arrived against the Buccaneers, including Thursday's 12-catch, 154-yard efficiency. He likewise grabbed his initial goal against Tampa florida Bay in the 1st quarter.Promising fad: Darnell Mooney remains to appear even more like the recipient he remained in Chicago in 2021 than in his ultimate pair of periods along with the Bears. He had his initial game along with various touchdown sees-- in 2021 he had a video game with a hurrying and also obtaining goal-- and his 9 catches for 105 lawns are both close to job highs for him. He carried out possess two decreases, having said that, consisting of one that can have proved costly.Most surprising functionality: A full week after certainly not recording an elapsed against New Orleans, tight conclusion Kyle Pitts invested his absolute best statistical activity in practically a year, ordering 7 catches for 88 backyards, once again becoming aspect of Atlanta's offense. His catches and yards are his most considering that Oct. 8, 2023, versus Houston, when Pitts had 7 catches for 87 yards on a career-high 11 aim ats.-- Michael RothsteinNext video game: at Carolina Panthers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. thirteen) Mike Evans scratched his 99th goal event, tying him with Don Hutson for 11th-most everlasting. Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesTampa Gulf BuccaneersAll summertime long, the Bucs listened to the Falcons were the team to defeat in the NFC South, in spite of Tampa gaining the branch the past three years. That rang true Thursday night, using it right now being actually a three-team nationality along with the Bucs at New Orleans next.Tampa Gulf has a considerable amount of players it requires to get healthy and balanced, as well as it possesses nine times to accomplish it. The Bucs must learn exactly how to finish, though, along with the offense fully obstructed in the 2nd one-half as well as bad dealing with on defense.QB break down: Cook Mayfield completed 13 of 16 masquerade 131 gardens, 3 touchdowns-- two to pass receiver Mike Evans-- and also no interceptions in the first one-half. He was blitzed on 7 of 15 dropbacks (47%) in the very first fifty percent, with all 3 touchdowns coming against the blitz. Mayfield's 11 touchdowns via the initial 5 video games are an occupation best.But after the major initial one-half, Mayfield and the Buccaneers barely carried out everything in the second half through the air, totting 49 yards.Biggest opening in the tactical plan: Along with Tampa bay linebacker SirVocea Dennis on hurt reservoir along with a shoulder personal injury, the Falcons regularly manipulated K.J. Britt in insurance coverage. He submitted an 18-yard goal to wide receiver Drake London on the opening drive.Surprising performance: The Bucs' defense surrendering 550 gardens of total offense. It took a breakthrough last week against the Eagles in regards to missed out on confronts but resisted the Falcons in this department. The Falcons finished with 235 lawns after the catch, their most in a game since Full week 8 of 2019 against Seat (236 ).-- Jenna LaineNext activity: at New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 13).