Falcons Offer Bucs No Help

Thanks for nothing, Atlanta.

Last night’s MNF game was entertaining to say the least, but did little to help the Buccaneers make the playoffs. The Falcons had what looked to be a promising 14-10 lead after intercepting a desperate under-handed Drew Brees pass attempt and returning it for a score in the middle of the 4th quarter. Unfortunately Drew Brees is still Drew Brees and was more than poised to lead the Saints down the field on a game-winning drive.

The Falcons had a chance to win at the end but failed to convert with around three minutes remaining and opted to hand the game over to their defense when they chose to punt rather than go for it on fourth down. The Saints never gave the ball back and managed to send Matt Ryan to his second career home loss, 17-14.

That means the Bucs have their work cut out for them next weekend and they’re going to need plenty of help. The Saints have clinched a playoff berth but could still win the NFC South with an Atlanta loss, so the likelihood of them resting players is slim. The Bucs will need to win in New Orleans, plus get help from the Bears (over the Packers) and the Redskins (over the Giants) in order to get in to the playoffs.

There is a very real likelihood the Bucs could finish the year 10-6 and still be on their couches for the playoffs. All things considered, a third place finish isn’t the end of the world because it secures a weaker schedule for the Bucs, but it’s hardly the way you want to see a 10-6 season conclude.