Falcons fit for a furious finish
Devonta Freeman rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown to help the Atlanta Falcons stay close in the tight NFC South race with a 24-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
“We thought he would have his opportunities,” coach Dan Quinn said. “If he could get to the next level and to a linebacker or safety or corner, make sure he had a plan how he wanted to finish.”
Freeman scored on a 32yard run midway through the fourth quarter, restoring a 10-point lead for the Falcons (9-5), who then barely hung on to win for the fifth time in six games and remain one game behind New Orleans and Carolina in the division standings. The Falcons play at New Orleans next Sunday, then close the regular season at home against Carolina.
Freeman also caught five passes for a team-high 68 yards and had a first-half fumble recovered in the end zone by teammate Levine Toilolo for a touchdown. Matt Ryan threw an early TD pass to Justin Hardy and finished 17 for 31 for 212 yards and no interceptions.
Jameis Winston threw for 299 yards and three TDs for the Bucs (4-10), including a 16-yarder to Adam Humphries that trimmed Atlanta’s lead to 24-21 with 3:51 remaining.
Winston, who also threw TD passes of 30 yards to O.J. Howard and 42 yards to Mike Evans, got the ball back with a minute left and nearly sent the game into overtime.
Winston completed three straight passes to move the ball from his 29 to the Atlanta 36. Patrick Murray came on to try a 54-yard field goal, but the kick sailed wide right as time expired.
The Bucs have lost nine of 11, taking a step back after going 9-7 in their first season under coach Dirk Koetter.
Former Bucs coach Jon Gruden was inducted into the Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium during a halftime ceremony.
New Panthers boss
The Carolina Panthers promoted Tina Becker to Chief Operating Officer and gave her control of the team’s day-to-day management amid an investigation into alleged misconduct by owner Jerry Richardson, who will sell the team.
Becker began her career as a cheerleader and over 19 years has served in a variety of management roles, including directing the Panthers’ business and administrative operations, ticketing and sponsorship, and stadium operations.
Injury updates
Oakland Raiders left tackle Donald Penn needs surgery on his right foot and will miss the rest of the season. Penn has started 170 straight games, the longest active streak of any offensive lineman . ... The Indianapolis Colts put center Ryan Kelly and inside linebacker Jon Bostic on injured reserve, ending their seasons . ... A smiling Ryan Shazier made a surprise appearance in a suite at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field on Sunday night, less than two weeks after spinal stabilization surgery. Doctors said this week that the Steelers linebacker has begun physical rehabilitation but the team has not released updates on his injury.
Etc.
The NFL suspended Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis two games for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay receiver Davante Adams . ... The New York Jets waived receiver Jeremy Kerley following a fourgame suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancers . ... The Arizona Cardinals will return to Drew Stanton at quarterback Sunday against the New York Giants. Blaine Gabbert started the past five games.