Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Winston Late Game Heroics Help Bucs Past Falcons 23-19

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is quickly helping the Bucs (6-6) become relevant again after his impressive game against the Atlanta Falcons (6-6) on Sunday in Tampa.

A six yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Evans from Winston with less than two minutes to go in the fourth quarter lifted the Bucs over the Falcons 23-19. The win keeps the Bucs in the middle of the race for the NFC playoffs as they sit a game behind the Seattle Seahawks for a possible playoff spot.

Winston is proving to be an effective ball carrier also, scoring his fourth rushing touchdown on a five-yard run in the first quarter and running 20 yards on a third-and-19 to continue the game winning drive.

Winston says his third and 19 run that set up the winning touchdown was a blessing he pulled off because of the superb blocking by his teammates.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was 30-of-45 for 269 yards, including a five-yard touchdown throw to Nick Williams that put the Falcons up 19-16 early in the fourth quarter.  Falcons kicker Shayne Graham kicked four field goals, two of them towards the end of the first half, to give the Falcons a 9-6 halftime lead.

But the Falcons just couldn’t put an end to their losing streak. Atlanta’s has now lost five straight games after being 6-1 and 5-0 at different points early in the season.

Looking ahead, the Bucs will host the New Orleans Saints Sunday at 1 p.m.

About Lauren Bromfield

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