Atlanta 34 Tampa Bay 19

Craig "Iron Head" Heyward

Atlanta heads from their dome to Tampa and find rain and a gusting 20mph wind waiting for them. Tampa takes the opening KO and move the ball on a couple of Dilfer to jackie Harris plays, and a nice Eric Rhett run, and defensive face mask.  The Falcon D, would , as it did most of the game, bend but not break.  Tampa going into the wind then missed the 35 yard field goal. Jeff George with the wind behind him came out throwing, hitting his 3 passes on drive, the payoff a 35 yard catch and run to Metcalf. Tampa again drove into Falcon territory but from the 33 had to punt. Atlanta would go on a 7 minute drive ending with a Morten Andersen 42 yard FG (into the wind). On the very next play from scrimmage Dilfer gets picked by Ross and he returns the pick to the house, and up 17-0, Atlanta seems in control. Tampa then however swings momentum going their own long drive but like before, have to settle for a FG attempt from 39 yards, which is good.  Atlanta then goes 3 ad out and then shank a punt.  Tampa again drives deep but settle for another FG.  Atlanta 17-6 at half.
Second half and Atlanta again has trouble moving into the wind.  Tampa following the pattern drive but again need to settle for 3. Atlanta goes 3 and out again and Tampa keeping to form drive the field.  This time they get a 1st and goal from the 4 and by 3rd down have it at the 1. A huge hit on an Eric Rhett dive loses the Bucs a yard and for the 5th time they have to go for 3 and for the 4th time it is good!! Atlanta lead is now down to 5. Atlanta then methodically run the clock out in the 3rd and begin the 4th with the wind behind them and quickly George goes to work.  He hits Emanuel for 9, then Metcalf for 26 and then Heyword for 16 and a TD. Dilfer quickly proves you can throw into this wind hitting Copeland on a long fly for 54 yards. Then Dawsey for 15 and down to the Atlanta 11.  Eric Rhett determined to get more than 3, rumbles for 8 then 3 yards and a TD.  Once again Tampa has gotten to within 5. Atlanta with the wind has no problem moving the ball and while playing the clock drive for another TD; this one on a Heyward sweep from 4. Atlanta 31-19. Tampa has to punt but pin Atlanta at their 18.  The falcons trying to salt game away almost implode.  George is sacked on 1st down and a motion penalty puts the ball at the Atl 8. Facing a 3rd and 16 , George gambles and hits Emanuel in stride for a 23 yard gain and is only tackled via a face mask and another 15 yards. Atlanta then go ground and with 1:30 left Andersen kicks a 46 yard FG to make it a 3 score game.
next week Atlanta hosts the NFC East leading Cowboys, while Tampa heads to Houston.
Brian