Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Michael Turner barreled in for the go-ahead
touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, as the Atlanta Falcons escaped
Raymond James Stadium with a 24-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The outcome gave Atlanta (10-1) a stranglehold on the NFC South and ended
Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak. The Falcons hold a four-game lead atop
the division heading into Thursday's showdown against the New Orleans Saints,
who handed them their only loss on Nov. 11.
Matt Ryan bounced back from a five-interception performance in last week's win
over Arizona by completing an efficient 26-of-32 passes for 353 yards,
including an 80-yard touchdown heave to Julio Jones.
Jones, who was listed as questionable because of a sore ankle, caught six
passes for 147 yards.
Doug Martin, the NFL's leader in yards from scrimmage, ran for two scores but
was held to 50 yards on 21 carries for Tampa Bay (6-5). Josh Freeman threw for
256 yards on 19-of-30 passing in defeat.
The Sports Network