TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — In a dramatic matchup, the Atlanta Falcons clinched a 29-28 comeback victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. Quarterback Kirk Cousins showcased his skills by throwing three touchdown passes to tight end Kyle Pitts, while kicker Zane Gonzalez sealed the win with a 43-yard field goal as time expired.
During the Falcons” final drive, facing a daunting third-and-28, Cousins displayed poise under pressure. He connected with Pitts for a 14-yard gain and then found David Sills V for 20 yards on fourth-and-14 to position Gonzalez for the game-winning kick. This victory was particularly impressive as the Falcons overcame a franchise-record 19 penalties and rallied from a 28-14 deficit in the fourth quarter.
The Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, struggled as they suffered their fifth loss in six games, falling a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South. Mayfield”s crucial interception in the fourth quarter proved detrimental to Tampa Bay”s chances of victory.
In college football news, Fernando Mendoza was awarded the Associated Press Player of the Year after leading Indiana to an undefeated record and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. Mendoza garnered 32 of 51 first-place votes, surpassing notable contenders such as Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt and Julian Sayin of Ohio State.
In skiing, Lindsey Vonn made a remarkable return to form at the age of 41, securing a World Cup downhill victory in St. Moritz, Switzerland. She finished with a lead of 1.16 seconds, marking her first win since March 2018.
Meanwhile, FIFA faced backlash over the inflated ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup, with fans expressing feelings of betrayal. Prices for group stage games were reported to range from $180 to $700, while the final”s lowest price was set at $4,185.
In college coaching news, Sherrone Moore was fired and arrested following an investigation into an alleged assault and an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. His sudden fall from grace shocked many, as he was seen as a rising star in coaching.
On the defensive side, Brent Venables has transformed the Oklahoma Sooners into a formidable defensive unit, leading the nation in tackles for loss and tied for the lead in sacks, as they prepare to face Alabama in the playoffs.
In the NHL, veteran center Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators enjoyed a breakout game, scoring four goals in a 7-2 victory against the St. Louis Blues.
Lastly, NASCAR announced a settlement in an antitrust case, granting all teams the permanent charters they sought, a significant development for the sport.
As the NFL season progresses, the landscape continues to shift with significant performances and off-field developments impacting teams and players alike.
