The Atlanta Falcons snapped a three-game losing streak with a 34-29 win at home over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC South showdown on Sunday.
History was made, an unexpected offensive weapon emerged and defensive stops came at the right time.
All Rise for the Rookie
Rookie running back Ito Smith, known by teammates and fans as “The Judge,” etched his name in the Falcons’ record books.
THIS KID IS FOR REAL!@ItoSmith becomes the first rookie in Falcons history to score a rushing TD in 3 straight games. pic.twitter.com/BFzuFiUbeN
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 14, 2018
The play came early in the second quarter when Smith took a handoff from quarterback Matt Ryan, bounced to the outside and ran into the end zone untouched. The touchdown extended the Falcons lead to 14-6 over the Buccaneers.
https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1051528966308212737
The fourth-round pick is proving to be an asset to Atlanta’s offense in the absence of starter Devonta Freeman, who’s been inactive due to foot and groin injuries.
Teammates Trust in Tight End
Austin Hooper was another key to Atlanta’s offensive success. The 23-year-old tight end had nine receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo7HGZmhUQt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Hooper has become one of Ryan’s favorite, and most reliable, targets. The bond between the two is apparent.
The trust Matt Ryan and Austin Hooper have developed while working together over the past two offseasons paid off with that critical third-down conversion. #Falcons
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) October 14, 2018
Sunday was Hooper’s second consecutive game with nine receptions for over 70 yards. His previous career-high was seven receptions in Week 5 of 2017.
Defense Did Its Job
The Falcons defense made big plays when it mattered most.
First came an interception by safety Damontae Kazee.
That marks 3 straight games for @Damontaekazee with an interception, marking the first time a @AtlantaFalcons player has done that since Ishmael in 2014 #InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/0CGywyLlnJ
— Brian Cearns (@BKCearns) October 14, 2018
Then came another by cornerback Brian Poole.
https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1051547289280425984
Both picks came when the Buccaneers were attempting to score a touchdown.
The Falcons advance to 2-4 on the season and 2-1 in division play. They remain in fourth place in the NFC South.