Buccaneers Edge Falcons 23-20 in Season Opener

ATLANTA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, as rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka hauled in a 25-yard touchdown with 59 seconds left to seal the win.

The victory came after the Falcons rallied from 17-10 down late in the fourth quarter, only to fall when Younghoe Koo’s 44-yard field goal attempt veered wide right. Tampa Bay’s late drive underscored the tight rivalry in the NFC South and set an early tone for both teams in Week 1.

Nut Graf

Baker Mayfield threw three touchdown passes and managed the clock expertly down the stretch, while Michael Penix Jr. led Atlanta on an 18-play, 91-yard drive for a go-ahead score that ultimately fell short. The result highlights Tampa Bay’s resilience and Atlanta’s special-teams miscues in a season opener that showcased both clubs’ potential.

Key Plays

  • Opening Score: Bijan Robinson caught a 50-yard touchdown from Michael Penix Jr. to put Atlanta ahead 7-0 in the first quarter.
  • Buccaneers Response: After stalling on their first two drives, Tampa Bay tied it at 10 with a 30-yard Mayfield-to-Egbuka strike and took the lead 17-10 on a 9-yard Bucky Irving touchdown catch in the third quarter.
  • Falcons Rally: Penix Jr. capped an 18-play drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown to flip the lead to Atlanta, 20-17, with 2:17 remaining.
  • Game-Winner: Mayfield found Egbuka for a 25-yard touchdown with 59 seconds left; a missed extra point proved irrelevant as Tampa Bay held on.
  • Missed Opportunities: Koo’s miss from 44 yards would have tied the game in regulation, while Atlanta’s defense conceded key penalties to extend Tampa Bay’s winning drive.

Statistical Leaders

  • Passing: Mayfield finished 17-of-32 for 167 yards and three touchdowns; Penix Jr. was 27-of-42 for 298 yards and one score.
  • Rushing: Tampa Bay totaled 69 yards on the ground; Atlanta managed 24 rushing yards, with Penix Jr. leading all rushers late in the game.
  • Receiving: Emeka Egbuka recorded two catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns; Bijan Robinson secured six receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown.

Looking Ahead

Tampa Bay improves to 1-0 and will host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football next week. Atlanta falls to 0-1 and will travel to face the Minnesota Vikings in another prime-time clash.