The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered week 7 winless, and that’s exactly how they are leaving it. The Bucs lost to the Atlanta Falcons, 23-31.
For an Atlanta offense that didn’t have threats Roddy White and Julio Jones, they were still able to find players to score. Harry Douglas, who was filling in for the wide receiver spot, had quite an outing, accounting for seven catches for 149 yards, and one touchdown.
In the backfield, Atlanta used Jaquizz Rodgers, who was starting in place of Steven Jackson, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Rodgers rushed eight times for just sixteen yards, but was used as a receiver and found more success that way. He caught eight balls for 46 yards and got two touchdowns.
Under center, Matt Ryan had a great day; completing 20/26 passes for 273 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
For Tampa Bay, there were obviously more issues to deal with than just a depleted receiving core. Mike Glennon, who has been starting under center for Tampa bay since they released Josh Freeman, had a decent game despite a loss. He threw 26/44 for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, he was sacked three times for a combined loss of 30 yards.
Doug Martin, running back for the Bucs, saw 11 carries for 41 yards, but left the game early in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. According to SB Nation,
"Martin leaped for a jump ball in the end zone before falling on his arm after being struck in the shoulder by Falcons’ safety William Moore. Initially the defender received a penalty on the play, but referees reversed the decision on review."
So the Buccaneers are now 0-6 with this loss, and the Falcons moved to 2-4 on the season. Tampa Bay will look to get their first win of the season next week as they take on the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta will travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals on Sunday as well.