Falcons 2022 record: 7-10 (T-2nd in NFC South)
Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Final: Falcons 30 – Buccaneers 17
Notable Falcons Performances:
QB Desmond Ridder – 19/30 (63.3%) for 224 YDs, 2 TDs, 1 FUM
RB Tyler Allgeier – 24 carries for 135 YDs
WR Drake London – 6 REC for 120 YDs
S Richie Grant – 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Notable Buccaneers Performances:
QB Tom Brady – 13/17 (76.5%) for 84 YDs, 1 TD
WR Chris Godwin – 6 REC for 55 YDs, 1 FUM
S Antoine Winfield Jr. – 13 tackles, 1 QB hit
DE Akiem Hicks – 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs, 1 QB hit
Takeaways:
For the last game of the season, the offensive rookies for the Falcons all had their best games of the season. Desmond Ridder looked poised in the pocket and delivered a few high quality throws down the field, which the Falcons had been lacking throughout the season. Tyler Allgeier is clearly the best running back on the team and will more than likely be the RB 1 moving forward for the Falcons as he set the rookie franchise record in rushing yards with 1,035 on the season. Drake London finally had his first 100-yard game of the season hauling in 6 catches for 120 yards including an amazing catch over a defender, proving that he can be the top wide receiver for the Falcons in the future. The defense’s main issue is they still can’t get to the quarterback and create pressure, as they failed to record a sack in the game. Overall, a good win to create momentum going into next season with a promising young core to build around.
