The Falcoholic
What a game. It was a game filled to the brim with stupid moments, frankly astonishing flashes of brilliance, and bewildering decision-making. It did the NFC South proud, and for one shining moment in a miserable year, it gave us a reason to be proud of our Falcons.
They won the first half narrowly before falling behind by two scores in the second half, the kind of backbreaking deficit they’ve failed to recover from over and over again in 2025. With Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot under fire, the team’s playoff hopes dashed, and only a chance to play spoiler and show they have fight and something to build on left, Atlanta rallied to score 15 unanswered points and win the game on a Zane Gonzalez field goal as time expired. It was, despite the mountains of frustration throughout, a pretty fun win in the end.
Here’s a drive-by-drive recap of the game you just watched.
Atlanta actually kicked off first in this one, and the opening kickoff went to around the 35. Bucky Irving took the opening carry for 11 yards. Baker Mayfield then was under pressure and threw it in the flat to Irving, who took it for another first down. Mayfield then had his pass tipped and knocked down by LaCale London. Irving then took it a yard. Mayfield then missed Emeka Egbuka badly on third down. Punt, and the Bucs managed to down it at the one yard line.
On review, the Falcons got it around the six yard line. Bijan Robinson got a yard, and then he spun through contact for a first down. Then Kirk Cousins found Kyle Pitts for a first down. Bijan picked up four yards, and then a quick swing pass to Robinson got an easy first down, and a thrown flag was picked up. Tyler Allgeier turned his first carry into three yards. Bijan was back in on the next play and got five more yards. An Elijah Wilkinson false start then brought things back, and then the Falcons were called for a delay of game. Cousins then hit David Sills well short of a first down. Punt.
Mayfield once again threw it off-target on first down. Irving took it seven yards on second down. On third down, Mayfield was under pressure and got sacked by Kaden Elliss, but A.J. Terrell picked up a very weak call and the Bucs kept rolling. Rachaad White then managed a first down; Mike Hughes was hurt on the play and Cobee Bryant came in. Irving then got a yard. Mike Evans then got his first grab for a first down. Mayfield then badly missed Egbuka again. James Pearce Jr. then got the sack by default as Mayfield dithered in the pocket, was knocked down, and lost five yards. Terrell then got popped for another penalty and tripped on the play, with Egbuka reeling one in. Then Mayfield hit Jalen McMillan over the middle for what was originally ruled a touchdown,...
