TAMPA, Fla. –the Atlanta Falcons (5-3) took full control of the NFC South on Sunday, Defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-26 (4-4) Inside Raymond James Stadium.

Atlanta and Tampa Bay entered the day tied for first place, but the visitors came away with the victory thanks to a strong day from the Falcons’ offense and a much better performance on defense in the second half. Atlanta has a 2-0 record against the Buccaneers. 1.5 game lead in NFC South.

You can see which Falcons are rising and falling in our stock report from Tampa…

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TE Kyle Pitts

Despite going out of the game in the second half, Pitts caught four passes for a season-high 91 yards and two touchdowns, the first multi-score game of his NFL career. He recorded 314 total yards in four games in October; It’s a booming statement in a resurgent campaign.

DB Jessie Bates III

At one point, Bates might have been considered an understocked player. He allowed a touchdown pass to Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton on his second defensive drive, but that came after forcing the Buccaneers’ first possession.

By the end of the game, Bates had five tackles and two interceptions; the other was a twisting, leaping interception that halted Tampa Bay’s advance on its first drive of the second half. He earned the Defensive Player of the Year nod from Falcons coach Raheem Morris.

QB Kirk Cousins

The final spot could have gone to a number of different offensive players, most notably running back Bijan Robinson, who had over 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, and receiver Darnell Mooney, who caught five passes for 92 yards and a score.

But Cousins, whom we beat last week, deserves praise. He went 23-of-29 for 276 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He completed all nine of his pass attempts in the second half and followed up with a 13-yard tackle on a key receiver on a quarterback sneak.

Although it wasn’t his 509-yard passing performance in the first meeting, Cousins ​​had his way with Tampa Bay’s defense and played a key role in Atlanta’s road win.

Skip the Rush

The Falcons entered Sunday already heavily stocked in their pass rush. This is perhaps a new low after a game in which the Buccaneers not only sacked quarterback Baker Mayfield but also failed to record a quarterback hit.

There’s optimism around the team, but Atlanta, which has a league-low six sacks, needs to start finding pass production soon.

Tyler Allgeier

Allgeier finished with 12 carries for 33 yards and lost a fumble deep in Falcons territory, which resulted in a safety. Tampa Bay scored a touchdown on the drive after the safety, meaning Allgeier’s fumble created a nine-run inning.

Allgeier, 24, had the second-most carries this year but the second-worst yards per attempt. He also didn’t contribute as a pass catcher.

Team Health

Atlanta lost second-round rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro to an ankle injury in the third quarter. He was later eliminated and Morris had no update after the match.

However, the Falcons received positive news from right tackle Chris Lindstrom, who suffered a knee injury in the third quarter but was cleared to return. He did not play again and Morris said it was his decision. Kyle Hinton finished the game at right guard.

The Falcons return to action against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 3 at 1 p.m. Interior of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.