Things were quite different for rookie QB Matt Ryan and Falcons this week as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers soundly defeated Atlanta 24-9 at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa intercepted Ryan twice in the game, the first one coming on the Falcons’ first drive, which the Bucs eventually turned into a touchdown. Ryan was just 13 of 33 passing for 158 yards and started the game 0 of 9 through the air. After rushing for 220 yards last week against the Lions, Michael Turner finished with only 42 yards on 14 carries.
Brian Griese was efficient in taking over for Jeff Garcia (ankle) throwing a touchdown pass in the win. Earnest Graham chipped in 116 yards on the ground and added a 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
The story of this game was how Monte Kiffin’s defense was once again owned the Falcons. Ryan was under constant pressure all game and while the rookie was incredibly inaccurate, a lot of that had to do with Kiffin disguising his defensive fronts. The Bucs also did a nice job offensively on third downs in the first half when they built a 17-0 lead.
So did Griese do enough to win the Bucs’ starting quarterback job? He wasn’t spectacular, but he certainly made enough plays for Tampa to cruise to a victory.
