With just under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed to have their division rival pinned against a wall. In fact, Atlanta had blown its best chances to even what was a 30-27 score.
Tavierre Thomas blocked a field goal attempt with 6:37 to play and Lavonte David had just intercepted Kirk Cousins on the Falcons side of the field. The visitors just needed to waste away clock or perhaps thwart off any last-chance Atlanta hopes.
After the defense came away with a blocked field goal and an interception, the offense certainly failed in its duty to protect the ball and run out the game. But the defense showed no resistance in their final stand, allowing the Falcons to get into position for a game-tying field goal in regulation and set up the game-winning score in overtime.
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Perhaps that may be an unfair blame shared on the group given the offense’s shortcomings, but the leader of the unit, who came away with the interception, did not shy away from any criticism…