Back in Week 2 at Tampa, Arthur Smith’s club was pushed around by the reigning Super Bowl champions by a 48-25 count. Now the Falcons hosted the Buccaneers hoping to avoid being swept for the second consecutive year. Atlanta’s defense allowed 425 total yards.
And despite an interception return for a score by defensive lineman Marlon Davidson, the Falcons allowed Tom Brady to throw for 368 yards and four TDs while failing to sack him.
It wasn’t long ago that the Vikings came up with a last-second win over the NFC North-leading Packers. But Mike Zimmer’s team has failed to build on that victory and Minnesota’s defense has really struggled as of late.
The club was down 20-6 at halftime but would rally to take a four-point lead with 1:50 to play. But the Purple Gang couldn’t close the deal and allowed the Lions to march down the field and score a touchdown on the final play of the game.
With a loss to the visiting 49ers, the Seahawks would be ensured of a losing season for the first time since 2011. It would be a wild first half between the clubs as Pete Carroll’s squad trailed at intermission, 23-21.
But the much-maligned Seattle defense pitched a shutout in the second half. Russell Wilson overcame four sacks and threw for 231 yards and two scores (1 interception). And Carroll’s club stopped a long Niners’ drive to preserve the victory.