Atlanta Falcons: Studs and duds from Week 17 vs. Buccaneers
Stud: Russell Gage
With Julio Jones out yet again in the regular-season finale, something that has happened more often than not during the 2020 season, others in the Falcons receiving group had to step up in Week 17 while battling the Buccaneers.
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Two players who have stepped up at wideout for Atlanta have been Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage, proving they could be key pieces moving forward for the Falcons to include in the flow of the offense.
On Sunday afternoon in Tampa Bay, it was Gage who led thew ay for that group through the air while hauling in a team-high number of receptions and yards while also finding the endzone. Gage finished with eight catches for 91 yards, tallying one receiving touchdown along the way.
Dud: Pass defense
The biggest reason Tampa Bay was able to come out on top in the regular-season finale in Tampa Bay was because of the passing game and Atlanta’s inability to stop that. In the contest, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers had their way all game long, with the veteran quarterback finishing with 26 completions for 399 yards and four touchdowns in the win.
To lead the receiving group, Tampa Bay was led by Antonio Brown with 11 receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, with Chris Godwin adding five catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons passing defense was their biggest weakness in the loss, and it was ugly to say the least.