Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL’s NFC South division, delivering some of the most exciting games in recent memory. Their matchups are always packed with action, showcasing top-tier talent, high-scoring plays, and intense competition. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats from their two 2024 regular-season games, breaking down the performances that shaped these thrilling contests. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the numbers, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through the key stats and standout moments in a way anyone can understand. Let’s get started!

The Rivalry: A Quick Overview of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

The Buccaneers and Falcons have been battling it out since 1977, but their rivalry heated up in 2002 when both teams were placed in the NFC South. The 2024 season saw them face off twice—once on October 3, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and again on October 27, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Both games were nail-biters, with the Falcons sweeping the series, winning 36-30 in overtime in Week 5 and 31-26 in Week 8. These games were defined by explosive offenses, clutch plays, and some jaw-dropping individual performances. Let’s break down the player stats from each game to see who shined brightest.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Game 1 : October 3, 2024 – Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 (Overtime)

The first matchup of the season was a high-scoring, back-and-forth thriller that went into overtime. Played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this game saw both quarterbacks put on a show, with the Falcons edging out the Bucs thanks to a game-winning touchdown in OT. Here’s how the key players performed.

Key Player Stats: Game 1

Player	Team	Position	Stats
Kirk Cousins	Falcons	QB	42/58, 509 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 114.8 passer rating
Baker Mayfield	Buccaneers	QB	19/24, 180 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT, 137.5 passer rating
Drake London	Falcons	WR	12 receptions, 154 yards, 1 TD
Darnell Mooney	Falcons	WR	9 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TDs
Kyle Pitts	Falcons	TE	7 receptions, 88 yards
Mike Evans	Buccaneers	WR	5 receptions, 62 yards, 2 TDs
Chris Godwin	Buccaneers	WR	5 receptions, 64 yards
Bijan Robinson	Falcons	RB	12 carries, 61 yards; 3 receptions, 16 yards
Rachaad White	Buccaneers	RB	10 carries, 72 yards; 3 receptions, 28 yards
Younghoe Koo	Falcons	K	3/4 FGs (long of 54), 3/3 XPs
Chase McLaughlin	Buccaneers	K	2/2 FGs (long of 53), 3/3 XPs
Logan Hall	Buccaneers	DL	2 sacks, 2 solo tackles
David Onyemata	Falcons	DL	1 sack, 2 solo tackles

Game 1 Highlights

• Kirk Cousins’ Historic Night: Cousins had a career-defining game, throwing for 509 yards—one of the top 15 single-game passing performances in NFL history. His four touchdowns, including an 18-yard strike to Drake London and a 45-yard game-winner to KhaDarel Hodge in overtime, were pivotal. Despite one interception, Cousins was in control, spreading the ball to his top receivers with precision.

• Baker Mayfield’s Efficiency: Mayfield was nearly flawless, completing 79.2% of his passes (19/24) for 180 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with Mike Evans was electric, with Evans hauling in two short touchdown passes. Mayfield’s mobility also helped, as he scrambled for key yards to keep drives alive.

• Falcons’ Receiving Corps Shines: Drake London led the way with 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown, while Darnell Mooney added 105 yards and two scores. Kyle Pitts chipped in with 88 yards, showing why this trio is one of the league’s most dangerous.

• Defensive Standouts: Logan Hall’s two sacks for the Bucs disrupted Atlanta’s rhythm early, but the Falcons’ defense made crucial plays, including a blocked field goal by Tavierre Thomas that kept Tampa Bay from tying the game late.

This game was an offensive showcase, with the teams combining for 66 points and 883 total yards. The Falcons’ ability to capitalize in overtime, paired with Cousins’ monster performance, gave them the edge in this divisional clash.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Game 2: October 27, 2024 – Falcons 31, Buccaneers 26

The second meeting at Raymond James Stadium was just as intense, with the Falcons holding off a late Buccaneers rally to secure a 31-26 victory. Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield again led their teams with impressive performances, but turnovers and clutch defensive plays made the difference. Here’s a look at the stats.

Key Player Stats: Game 2

Player	Team	Position	Stats
Kirk Cousins	Falcons	QB	23/31, 276 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT, 135.5 passer rating
Baker Mayfield	Buccaneers	QB	37/50, 330 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 87.1 passer rating
Kyle Pitts	Falcons	TE	5 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TDs (36, 49 yards)
Darnell Mooney	Falcons	WR	5 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD (30 yards)
Bijan Robinson	Falcons	RB	13 carries, 63 yards; 3 receptions, 10 yards, 1 TD (6 yards)
Cade Otton	Buccaneers	TE	10 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TDs (5, 4 yards)
Rachaad White	Buccaneers	RB	6 carries, 39 yards; 4 receptions, 29 yards, 1 TD (18 yards)
Trey Palmer	Buccaneers	WR	4 receptions, 66 yards
Younghoe Koo	Falcons	K	1/2 FGs (long of 39), 4/4 XPs
Chase McLaughlin	Buccaneers	K	2/2 FGs (long of 52), 3/3 XPs
Jessie Bates III	Falcons	S	1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Lavonte David	Buccaneers	LB	1 INT, 7 tackles, 7-yard return
C.J. Brewer	Buccaneers	DL	1 sack, 2 solo tackles

Game 2 Highlights

• Cousins Stays Hot: Kirk Cousins continued his dominance against the Bucs, throwing for 276 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. His 36- and 49-yard touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts were highlight-reel plays, and a 30-yard score to Darnell Mooney put Atlanta ahead for good.

• Mayfield’s Fight: Despite two costly interceptions, Baker Mayfield threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Bucs in the game. His chemistry with tight end Cade Otton was a bright spot, as Otton hauled in 10 catches, including two touchdowns.

• Kyle Pitts Breaks Out: Pitts had a monster game, catching five passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for Atlanta’s offense.

• Turnovers Tell the Story: The Falcons capitalized on early turnovers, with Jessie Bates III forcing and recovering a fumble on the Bucs’ second play. Lavonte David’s interception for Tampa Bay kept them in the game, but Mayfield’s second pick and a failed Hail Mary attempt sealed their fate.

This game was a testament to the Falcons’ resilience and the Bucs’ never-say-die attitude. Atlanta’s 4-0 record in the NFC South after this win gave them a commanding lead in the division, while Tampa Bay fell to 4-4 overall.

Breaking Down the Performances of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

Quarterbacks: Cousins vs. Mayfield

Both quarterbacks were the heart of their teams’ offenses in these matchups. Kirk Cousins was the standout, throwing for a combined 785 yards and eight touchdowns across the two games. His 509-yard performance in Week 5 was a career highlight, and his ability to avoid turnovers in Week 8 showed his growth as Atlanta’s leader. Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, threw for 510 yards and six touchdowns but was hampered by two interceptions in Week 8. His efficiency in Week 5 (79.2% completion rate) and grit in Week 8 kept the Bucs competitive, even with injuries to key receivers like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

Receiving Corps: Falcons’ Depth vs. Bucs’ Resilience

The Falcons’ receiving trio of Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts overwhelmed Tampa Bay’s secondary. London’s 154 yards in Week 5 and Pitts’ two-touchdown game in Week 8 were game-changers. Mooney’s consistency (197 yards, three TDs across both games) showed why he’s a key part of Atlanta’s offense. For the Bucs, Cade Otton stepped up big in Week 8 with 10 catches, while Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were reliable in Week 5 before injuries limited their impact. Rookie Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer also made plays, showing Tampa Bay’s depth.

Running Backs: Balanced Attacks

Bijan Robinson and Rachaad White led their teams’ ground games. Robinson had 124 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown across the two games, with his vision and elusiveness shining through. White’s 111 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown in Week 5 highlighted his dual-threat ability, though his carries were limited in Week 8. Both backs were crucial in keeping defenses honest.

Defense and Special Teams: Clutch Moments

The Falcons’ defense made game-changing plays, like Jessie Bates III’s forced fumble and interception in Week 8. Lavonte David’s interception for the Bucs in Week 8 was a momentum-shifter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Atlanta’s offensive firepower. On special teams, Younghoe Koo was reliable (4/6 FGs), while Chase McLaughlin was perfect for the Bucs (4/4 FGs). A blocked field goal by Tampa Bay’s Tavierre Thomas in Week 5 nearly changed the outcome.

Why These Games Matter

These two games had a massive impact on the NFC South race. The Falcons’ sweep gave them a 5-3 record and a 4-0 mark in the division, putting them in the driver’s seat for the title. The Buccaneers, at 4-4, faced an uphill battle to reclaim their crown as three-time defending champions. The stats tell the story of two evenly matched teams, with Atlanta’s offense clicking at the right moments and Tampa Bay fighting through injuries and turnovers.

What to Watch for Next

As the season progresses, keep an eye on how these teams adjust. For the Falcons, Kirk Cousins’ confidence is soaring, and their receiving corps looks unstoppable. The Bucs will need to get healthy, with players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Calijah Kancey expected to return soon. Both teams face tough schedules ahead, but their performances in these games show they’re ready to compete.

Conclusion

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons matchups in 2024 were a showcase of talent, heart, and high-stakes football. From Kirk Cousins’ 500-yard masterpiece to Baker Mayfield’s gritty efforts, these games had it all. The stats highlight the explosive offenses, clutch defensive plays, and special teams moments that defined this rivalry. Whether you’re rooting for the Falcons or the Bucs, one thing’s clear: this NFC South battle is as fierce as ever. Stay tuned for more thrilling football as these teams chase playoff glory!