Atlanta Falcons' Late-Game Heroics Spark Key NFC South Win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Atlanta Falcons pulled out a low-scoring affair over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, and the final drive proved to be the difference.

The Atlanta Falcons got the ball back with just 45 seconds left in a tied ballgame on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

It was then that quarterback Desmond Ridder, faults included, took the reins of the offense and came through when needed. Ridder found tight end Kyle Pitts for a 39-yard gain into Tampa Bay Buccaneers territory, and a few plays later, near-automatic kicker Younghoe Koo was set up to do his thing: sink a 51-yard field goal as time expired and seal a 16-13 win for the visitors.

Oct 22, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) kicks a field goal held by Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion (13) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports / © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Say what you want about Sunday's game, but the Falcons needed this one.

Not only did this serve as Atlanta's first round win of the season (now 1-2 on the year), but it came over a division rival after a disheartening loss to the Washington Commanders a week prior. Quarterback Desmond Ridder has been maligned in the early portions of this campaign, and rightfully so, and even though he did not account for a score in a still-sputtering offense on Sunday, he did come through when it mattered on the final drive.

Finally, it's time to once again praise Younghoe Koo. The 29-year-old kicker out of Seoul, South Korea, has made his mark on the NFL, including this season where he currently sits with a 10-for-11 mark in field goal opportunities. He is as clutch as they come in the kicking department, and on days where your offense is not efficient (a common occurrence for the Falcons so far), having a strong kicker can be the difference in a win and a loss.

Sunday's game against the Bucs was not without its fair share of faults, but a win is a win, and it was an important one for Atlanta. Showing this late-game grit can maybe establish some key momentum in the weeks ahead.