.Michael RothsteinCloseMichael RothsteinESPN Workers WriterMichael Rothstein is actually a media reporter for NFL Country at ESPN. Rothstein covers the Atlanta ga Falcons. You can observe him through Twitter @MikeRothstein. Jenna LaineCloseJenna LaineESPN Staff WriterJenna Laine deals with the Tampa bay Bay Buccaneers for ESPN. She started covering the Bucs for ESPN in 2016, however she has covered the team given that 2009. Observe Jenna on Twitter: @JennaLaineESPN. Oct 3, 2024, 11:46 PM ETATLANTA-- The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa bay Gulf Buccaneers set up very early that Thursday night's activity will be a repulsive slugfest along with both staffs scoring goals on their 1st ownerships, so it appeared fitting the NFC South showdown will be actually decided by a long TD pass.Kirk Relatives threw his 4th goal of the video game, a 45-yard score to KhaDarel Hodge, who had gone into the contest after a trauma to Drake Greater london, to offer the Falcons a 36-30 overtime victory.Younghoe Koo's 52-yard field goal as opportunity ran out in law forced overtime, and also Cousins cared for the rest as he prepared a franchise document with 509 passing lawns to remove Atlanta (3-2) in to a tie atop the division.Kirk Relatives notched his 5th permission passing touchdown in the final moment of regulation/OT in the last five seasons, which is the most in the NFL. AP Photo/John BazemoreAtlanta FalconsThe distinction between creating the playoffs and certainly not, between winning a branch and certainly not, depends on games such as this one, as well as Atlanta has already possessed its portion of them.The Falcons have routed within the last minute of the 4th one-fourth in all three of their victories this time. They are the first string in NFL background to possess 3 success within their first 5 games of a period through which they routed in the ultimate min of the 4th quarter.At 3-2, with impressive next draw New Orleans and also Tampa Florida Gulf, Atlanta ga possesses a very early lead in the NFC South because of tiebreakers over the Saints and Buccaneers. That could possibly confirm essential in December and January in what appears to be a limited division.QB break down: Relatives looked healthy as well as back to become the quarterback the Falcons gave a $180 million deal to in the offseason. He accomplished 42 of 58 passes for 509 gardens, 4 goals as well as 1 interception.It's the sixth time he has actually thrown for 350 lawns as well as three goals in a prime-time game, matching Patrick Mahomes as well as Peyton Manning, depending on to ESPN Research.Eye-popping stat: Drake Greater london continues to be leading when he experiences Tampa fl Bay-- 3 of his 4 profession 100-yard video games have come versus the Buccaneers, including Thursday's 12-catch, 154-yard performance. He additionally grabbed his very first touchdown against Tampa bay Gulf in the first quarter.Promising fad: Darnell Mooney continues to look more like the recipient he was in Chicago in 2021 than in his final two periods with the Bears. He possessed his 1st activity along with a number of goal catches-- in 2021 he had a game with a hurrying and acquiring touchdown-- and his 9 catches for 105 gardens are actually both close to job highs for him. He did possess pair of declines, nonetheless, consisting of one that can possess proved costly.Most unusual functionality: A week after certainly not capturing an elapsed against New Orleans, tight side Kyle Pitts invested his ideal analytical activity in almost a year, getting hold of 7 catches for 88 yards, once again emerging as portion of Atlanta ga's outburst. His catches and gardens are his very most considering that Oct. 8, 2023, versus Houston, when Pitts possessed 7 catches for 87 gardens on a career-high 11 intendeds.-- Michael RothsteinNext game: at Carolina Panthers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 13) Mike Evans marked his 99th goal celebration, tying him with Don Hutson for 11th-most enduring. Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesTampa Bay BuccaneersAll summer long, the Bucs heard the Falcons were actually the group to trump in the NFC South, even with Tampa fl gaining the division the past three years. That rang true Thursday night, with it today being actually a three-team race with the Bucs at New Orleans next.Tampa Gulf has a considerable amount of gamers it needs to receive well-balanced, and it possesses nine times to do it. The Bucs need to know exactly how to finish, however, with the affront completely put on hold in the 2nd half as well as bad handling on defense.QB break down: Baker Mayfield finished thirteen of 16 passes for 131 yards, three goals-- pair of to pass receiver Mike Evans-- as well as no interceptions in the first one-half. He was actually blitzed on 7 of 15 dropbacks (47%) in the very first half, with all 3 touchdowns arriving versus the assault. Mayfield's 11 goals with the initial five activities are actually an occupation best.But after the major 1st one-half, Mayfield and the Buccaneers hardly did anything in the second fifty percent via the air, amounting to 49 yards.Biggest opening in the game plan: Along with Tampa fl linebacker SirVocea Dennis on wounded reserve along with a shoulder personal injury, the Falcons consistently made use of K.J. Britt in protection. He gave up an 18-yard goal to wide receiver Drake Greater london on the opening drive.Surprising functionality: The Bucs' self defense giving up 550 yards of total offense. It took a breakthrough recently versus the Eagles in terms of overlooked attacks but resisted the Falcons within this department. The Falcons finished with 235 yards after the catch, their most in a video game since Full week 8 of 2019 versus Seat (236 ).-- Jenna LaineNext activity: at New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 13).