Falcons Triumph Despite Penalty Pitfalls
The Atlanta Falcons accomplished a remarkable feat on Thursday night, securing a narrow victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 29-28. However, this win came shrouded in controversy and frustration, as the Falcons set an unwanted franchise record for penalties that overshadowed their achievement on the field.
Historic Penalties
In a stunning display of infractions, the Falcons were flagged for a staggering 19 accepted penalties, resulting in a staggering 125 yards lost. This not only marked the highest number of penalties in the franchise’s history but also represented the most penalties assessed in a single NFL game over the past nine years. Head coach Raheem Morris expressed his discontent regarding the team’s performance in this area, stating, “You’ve got to get those things addressed. You can never just excuse yourself for having that many penalties. I think it was 10 each half, almost, whatever the case may be, some declined. Some you’re always going to disagree with, but still, no excuse to have that many penalties.”
Despite the overwhelming odds, the Falcons managed to pull off the victory, showcasing resilience that Morris praised. “You’re not supposed to win a football game when you get that many penalties. The guys actually went out and did a nice job of being able to overcome. Very proud of them for that, but there are definitely penalties out there that you’ve got to be able to stop. You’ve got to eliminate, and we can.”
Season Statistics
The Falcons’ struggles with penalties have been a season-long issue. Currently, they sit at a net penalty margin of minus-12, ranking as the seventh-worst in the NFL, and a net penalty yardage of minus-57, which is the ninth-worst. For context, the last team to record as many penalties in a single game was the Raiders, who committed 23 penalties in a victory over the Buccaneers back on October 30, 2016.
In stark contrast to the Falcons, the Buccaneers were only penalized four times for a mere 25 yards. Despite this disparity, Tampa Bay squandered a substantial 28-14 lead in the fourth quarter, ultimately succumbing to Atlanta’s late-game heroics.
Coach’s Comments
Morris, while acknowledging the officials’ challenging role, humorously sidestepped any conspiracy theories regarding the uneven penalty distribution. “You’re never going to go through and agree with 100 percent of penalties. That’s just not a coach’s nature. But those guys, as we know, they’ve got a tough job, and they’ve got to go out there and make those calls at full speed and full time… But, it is what it is. I’m just proud the guys overcame it.”
Emotional Victory
This victory was particularly significant for the Falcons, who have faced challenges in closing out games throughout the season. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, especially for Morris, who celebrated as his team clinched the win with a game-winning field goal as time expired. The victory served as a testament to the team’s tenacity in the face of adversity, despite the glaring issues that still need addressing.
