Atlanta Falcons: Five things we learned in loss to Buccaneers

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and defensive tackle Henry Melton (90, right) celebrate after the Atlanta Falcons failed to convert a 4th down play in overtime at the Georgia Dome. Also shown on the play are Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Schraeder (73) and center James Stone (62). The Buccaneers won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Down 17 points midway though the third quarter, the Atlanta Falcons led by Matt Ryan roared back to tie the game up with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter but were unable to answer the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ field goal in overtime.

The Falcons dropped the game 23-20 which drops them to 0-2 in the NFC South and an overall record of 6-2 through the first half of the season.

In 2014, the Falcons went 5-1 in the NFC South yet only won six games. In 2015, the Falcons have dropped their first two division games, yet have six wins. That’s rather amazing if you look at it that way. The Falcons won only one game outside of the division a season ago yet already have six in 2015.

Why did the Falcons lose? Well, because they continue to turn the ball over at an astounding rate. The Falcons turned the ball over four times on the day which lead to all 20 of the Buccaneers’ points.

The Falcons turned the ball over just about every way imaginable. A wide receiver fumble, a quarterback fumble, a quarterback interception and a bad snap by the center. So, you can’t really point the finger at any one individual even if you’re dying to point your finger at Ryan.

At the end of the day, the Falcons scored 17-unanswered points, but couldn’t quite finish it off. Close, but no cigar.

A lot of other things happened in this game, so without further adieu, lets take a look at five things we learned in the loss to Tampa Bay.