Lavonte David Reacts to Bucs’ Collapse Against Falcons
With just under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed to have their division rival pinned against a wall. In fact, Atlanta had blown its best chances to even what was a 30-27 score.
Tavierre Thomas blocked a field goal attempt with 6:37 to play and Lavonte David had just intercepted Kirk Cousins on the Falcons side of the field. The visitors just needed to waste away clock or perhaps thwart off any last-chance Atlanta hopes.
After the defense came away with a blocked field goal and an interception, the offense certainly failed in its duty to protect the ball and run out the game. But the defense showed no resistance in their final stand, allowing the Falcons to get into position for a game-tying field goal in regulation and set up the game-winning score in overtime.
Perhaps that may be an unfair blame shared on the group given the offense's shortcomings, but the leader of the unit, who came away with the interception, did not shy away from any criticism.
"When there's time on the clock the game is never over... we had a chance to seal the game and we didn't defensively," David said. "Definitely got to be better in that aspect."
In reality, the concession of the final 10 points of the game were put into motion long before those plays unfolded. The Bucs defense played 81 snaps Thursday, many coming as a result of the team's inability to get stops early on.
The Falcons had scoring opportunities on all of their first four drives. They scored 17 points and missed a field goal before their first punt attempt. Cousins also threw 58 passes and finished with 509 passing yards.
Related: Bucs' Defensive Lineman Finding 'Sustainable' Stride in Year 3Such a combination of miscues are no recipe for a successful outcome on the road against a divisional opponent. All the while dealing with some key injuries, the Bucs hope to avoid a similar fate next week when they face the New Orleans Saints.
Tampa Bay faced similar adversity a few weeks ago after a porous defensive effort in a 26-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. They turned around with an outstanding effort against the Philadelphia Eagles.
If they get another chance to seal a victory next week, it is imperative that David and the Bucs capitalize.
This story was originally published October 5, 2024, 4:11 PM.
