The Atlanta Falcons dropped a heartbreaker in Week 1, falling 23-20 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a season opener full of drama. The final three minutes had everything: back-and-forth touchdowns, clutch plays, and a potential game-tying field goal that just missed, keeping Atlanta winless at 0-1 heading into Week 2.
Top takeaways from Falcons' 23-20 loss to Bucaneers.
1. Michael Penix Jr. starts fast, finishes strong
Penix came out firing, connecting with Bijan Robinson on his first two throws, including a 50-yard touchdown to put Atlanta up 7-0. The second-year QB played with poise all game, making big plays late to give the Falcons a fourth-quarter lead. Whether it was through the air or on the ground, Penix showed he can handle the spotlight.
He finished 27 of 42 for 298 yards and a touchdown, plus 21 rushing yards and another score. Even in a loss, this was an encouraging debut for Penix’s first full season as a starter.
2. Falcons rookies shine
Safety Xavier Watts had a standout debut, nearly snagging two interceptions and finishing with six solo tackles and two passes defended. Billy Bowman Jr. was active all over the field and held his own in coverage. Rookies James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker also got valuable reps — Walker had three tackles and Pearce added a QB hit — showing the Falcons’ young talent can contribute right away.
3. Bijan Robinson impacts the game in multiple ways
Robinson made waves more as a receiver than a runner early on. By halftime, he had just six rushing yards but 71 receiving yards and a touchdown. He finished with 12 carries for 24 yards and seven catches for 100 yards and a TD. With the offensive line struggling at times, Robinson’s versatility was a bright spot for the Falcons.
4. Divine Deablo quietly impresses
New addition Divine Deablo didn’t grab headlines, but his Week 1 performance was solid. The former Raiders linebacker had six combined tackles and half a sack, showing the ability to make plays all over the field. If Atlanta had won, Deablo might’ve been the story of the day.
Up next for Atlanta: Sunday, September 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:20 p.m. ET on NBC)
