Falcons vs Buccaneers: 5 biggest takeaways from Atlanta’s Week 5 win over Tampa Bay
The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played out a thriller at Mercedez Benz Stadium on Thursday, ending in a walk-off touchdown by KhaDarel Hodge.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the Falcons’ 36-30 win:
5 takeaways from Atlanta Falcons’ victory over Tampa Bay Buccaneers on TNF
#1. Kirk Cousins’ movement is still lacking
The Falcons quarterback is a huge upgrade over Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and the 2021 version of Matt Ryan, but it’s clear that his mobility is still affected by the injury suffered last season. It should get better in the upcoming weeks, but while he can still play, it’s a problem in some plays.
#2. Baker Mayfield is playing the best football of his career
The risk taken by the Buccaneers on Baker Mayfield has paid off handsomely since 2023. Signing the quarterback on a one-year, $8 million deal has to be one of the team’s greatest pieces of business. Mayfield has fitted perfectly into the team’s culture and is playing at a very high level.
The former Brown completed 19 of 24 pass attempts for 180 yards and three touchdowns.
#3. Kyle Pitts is alive
A week ago, the superstar tight end did not register a single catch, which left fantasy managers frustrated. However, he quickly made his presence felt on Thursday and finished the game with seven catches and 88 yards. He’s not a guy the Falcons can afford not to load with targets.
#4. But so is Darnell Mooney
The wide receiver joined the Falcons in the offseason after the Chicago Bears did not re-sign, and he has proved to be a great signing so far. Mooney made two incredible touchdown catches, finished the game with nine catches and 105 yards and proved to be instrumental in Atlanta’s offense.
#5. Kirk Cousins’ historic performance puts Atlanta officially in the fight
Yes, his mobility will improve with time, but that’s exactly the kind of performance the Falcons expected from the quarterback when they signed him to a four-year, $180m deal. With 509 passing yards, four touchdowns and 42 completed passes, he won an instant classic for the franchise.
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Edited by Henrique Bulio
