Falcons vs. Bucs: Hat tips and headaches

Hat tips

London is calling

Wide receiver Drake London had his breakout game of the season, finally establishing chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins. He got things started early with a touchdown reception on the first drive, dragging a couple of Bucs defenders into the end zone. London would finish the day with a stunning 12 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown, and his crucial tailback in traffic would help Younghoe Koo tie the game.

Big Kirko

This is what the Falcons wanted to see when they signed Kirk Cousins. He was fluid in the pocket throughout the contest and showed arm strength that he had lacked in the first four games. Cousins ​​finished the evening throwing for 509 yards – a new Atlanta record – and four touchdowns.

Ryan Neuzil is on his way

It doesn't show up on a stat sheet, but backup center Ryan Neuzil probably saved the game for Atlanta. After Drake London's reception in the final seconds, Neuzil rushed downfield to get to the line of scrimmage, allowing Kirk Cousins ​​to inbound the ball with two seconds left, setting up the game-winning field goal.

Bates ball

Another play, another impact play for safety Jessie Bates. With 2:55 left in the fourth quarter and Atlanta trailing by three points, the Bucs advanced to the Falcons' 25-yard line. Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving scampered along the left side of the Bucs' line, where he was hit by Bates and the football was immediately taken out of his possession.

Linebacker Kaden Elliss would recover the fumble. Although the Falcons turned the ball over on the ensuing drive, Bates' defensive play prevented the Bucs from putting the game out of reach.

Hodge seals it

What can be said that hasn't already been said? The game's unlikely hero is wide receiver and special teams ace KhaDarel Hodge, who caught Kirk Cousins' pass and raced through a group of Bucs defenders to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. It was just his second reception of the season – his first came early in the game – and he made it count.

Head-scratching

Koo's shaky start

We won't attack Younghoe Koo too much here, but he looked a bit poor in the first half. He missed two consecutive field goal attempts early on – the first attempt didn't count due to a Bucs timeout. Koo has been extremely reliable this season, once again hitting a long field goal to take the game into overtime.