Atlanta, GA

Josh Freeman covered 222 yards on 19-for-35 passes with a TD and an interception as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bested the Atlanta Falcons, 22-17, Sunday at Georgia Dome.

The Buccaneers capped their see-saw year on a winning note, becoming the third team to beat the Falcons and the first one to do it at the Georgia Dome this season.

Looking to end their five-game losing streak, the Buccaneers were off to a fast start as Cannor Barth converted two FGs and Josh Freeman hit Mike Williams with an 8-yard TD pass to give their team a 13-3 lead at the break.

The Buccaneers asserted their superiority in the second half and padded their lead to 12 points, thanks to Michael Turner's 17-yard run.

Matt Ryan, who covered 238 yards with one TD, tried to make it competitive with a seven-yard TD pass to Harry Douglas but the Falcons didn't have enough time to pull off a comeback.

With the win, the Buccaneers had some consolation after seeing their playoff hopes slip away with five straight consecutive losses. The Falcons are headed to the postseason, but face problems after Dunta Robinson (head) and John Abraham (left ankle) suffered injuries in the final regular-season game.

 

 

The Bucs end their first season under coach Greg Schiano with a 22-17 upset of the NFC's top-seeded Atlanta Falcons. Rookie Doug Martin rushed for 142 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown

Josh Freeman Guides Buccaneers to Upset Win Over Falcons

 

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