It wasn't pretty at times, but the Atlanta Falcons' defense came through when it mattered most during Sunday's 28-22 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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On the first play of overtime Deion Jones stepped in front of Jameis Winston's pass to Cameron Brate and took off for the game-winning, 27-yard pick-six that secured the fourth-straight win for Atlanta (7-9), which has now won six of its last eight games following the bye week. The biggest change in the second half of the season has been the Falcons' defense, which continued to look like an improved unit against the Buccaneers (7-9) on Sunday.
"Deion, we've put him in as many difficult matchups from a coverage standpoint as we could all year," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. "… It's why the team wanted to make sure he was going to be with us for a long time, because you've got such a unique skillset. I think that proved itself today."
Atlanta allowed an average of 31.3 points per game – second-most in the league – prior to the bye week, but that average dropped to just 18.6 points during the second half of the season.
The final score is a bit misleading as an indicator of Atlanta's defensive performance on Sunday. On one hand, the unit shouldn't be docked for Devin White's 91-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery in the second quarter.
On the other hand, the Falcons were bailed out by three missed field goals. Tampa Bay kicker Matt Gay missed all three of his field goal attempts – from 49, 34 and 44 yards away.
The Falcons also gave up a number of explosive plays to the league's most explosive passing offense. Without top receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Winston looked Breshad Perriman's way early and often. Perriman proved difficult to contain, catching five passes for 134 yards and one of Winston's two touchdown passes.
Notably, each of Perriman's catches went for 18 yards or more. He had receptions of 18, 24, 24, 31 and 37 yards against the Falcons, including an incredible touchdown late in the first half.
Perriman was held without a catch in the second half, but it's difficult to attribute that to adjustments made by the defense when Winston attempted just six passes after halftime. Instead, the Buccaneers turned to their run game and had some early success.
Ronald Jones carried the ball six times for 94 yards, an average of 15.7 yards per carry, in the third quarter, and it appeared the Buccaneers would salt the game away on the ground. Matt Gay's two missed field goals in the third quarter gave the Falcons time to adjust, however, and they did so in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta's defense kept its offense within striking distance during the final quarter of the game, giving up just one first down and 16 yards.
After a pair of blowout wins against the Saints and the Panthers after the bye week, the Falcons' games have been much more competitive down the stretch. More often than not in those games it was the defense that kept the games close and within reach for Atlanta, and Sunday was no different.
Perhaps the most telling stat for the Falcons' improved defensive play over the final eight games is their third-down conversion rate. Since the bye week, Atlanta has allowed a first down on third down just 25.8 percent of the time. To provide some context for that number, New England has by far the best third-down defense this season, allowing a first down 22.95 percent of the time; San Francisco is ranked second in the league with a 31.46-percent conversion rate.
It's a drastic turnaround on the most crucial down for Atlanta's defense. Prior to the bye week, the Falcons allowed opponents to convert on 53 percent of their third-down plays, the highest rate in the NFL.
Part of that turnaround should be attributed to secondary coach Raheem Morris, who was named the Falcons' defensive coordinator for next season on Friday. Prior to earning the coordinator job, Morris was given control of the defensive play-calling duties on third down and inside of the red zone coming out of the bye week. Opponents have scored a touchdown on 42.8 percent of their trips to the red zone after the bye compared to 68.7 percent during the first eight games.
Quinn has always wanted his defense to be one that creates turnovers, and over the second half of the season it's become one. After forcing just four turnovers in the first half, Atlanta has generated 16 takeaways.
"To win the turnover margin 3-1, that was going to be a big deal," Quinn said. "That space, to come all the way to the end and win it on a turnover, that's the kind of stuff that you look for."
Sundays' performance wasn't a flawless one, but against Winston and the Buccaneers' offense few defenses have dominated. However, the Falcons showed improvement throughout the game and made the plays when they needed to.
Morris more than earned his opportunity to coordinate Atlanta's defense next season, and the Falcons' walk-off win against the Buccaneers is yet another reason why.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers with top photos from the field at Raymond James Stadium in Week 17.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 meets with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston #3 after the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after intercepting the ball on the first play of overtime and returns it for a game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 intercepts the ball on the first play of overtime and returns it for a game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 intercepts the ball on the first play of overtime and returns it for a game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Scott Kelby/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 intercepts the ball on the first play of overtime and returns it for a game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) intercepts a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston intended for tight end Cameron Brate (84) and returns it for the game-winning touchdown during the overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) intercepts a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate and returns it for the game-winning score in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a passagainst the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 laughs on the sideline during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston #3 during the second half of the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 airborne in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn reacts during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 walks through a tunnel during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 walk together at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, during the game on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 walk together at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, during the game on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 smiles during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Austin Larkin #55 defends Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Dare Ogunbowale #44 during the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Scott Kelby/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 intercepts the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 in action during the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 intercepts the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action jumping over running back Keith Smith #40 during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gestures during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 with strong safety Damontae Kazee #27 during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 in action during the first half of the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders during the first half of the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 recovers a fumble during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 in action while the ball is fumbled during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) celebrates with fans after catching a 35-yard touchdown reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo #74 scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo #74 scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Scott Kelby/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo #74 scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
A general view of the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 stretches before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Sunday December 29, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
