Tampa, FL (Sports Network) – Matt Ryan threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins with 4:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, as the Atlanta Falcons rallied to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 28-24, in a pivotal NFC South showdown from Raymond James Stadium.
Ryan was 18-of-36 for 205 yards with two touchdowns. He also overcame a pair of interceptions that led to scores for Tampa Bay.
Michael Turner had 88 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for the Falcons (10-2), who maintained their one-game lead in both the conference and division standings. Atlanta, which erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, has won six games in a row since losing at Philadelphia on October 17.
Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman completed 19-of-38 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, but his final attempt was picked off by Atlanta cornerback Brent Grimes, derailing a potential go-ahead drive late in regulation.
The Buccaneers (7-5) dropped to 0-5 against teams with winning records.
12/05 19:59:45 ET