The Falcons (7-9) finish the season strong following a 28-22 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) in overtime.
Since Atlanta defeated Tampa, the Falcons take second in the NFC South. Here are the main takeaways from the Falcons-Buccaneers game:
Ty Sambrailo sets NFL TD record
In the first quarter of the game, the Falcons stunned the Buccaneers crowd after Matt Ryan connected with offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo for a 35-yard touchdown. Sambrailo's touchdown was the longest touchdown by an offensive lineman since 1950. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Sambrailo is also the heaviest player in history to score a touchdown.
For more coverage on Sambrailo's touchdown reception, click here.
Falcons defense cap off second half surge with game-winning TD
Since the bye week, the Falcons defense have made a complete turnaround on their execution in games. On the first play in overtime, linebacker Deion Jones swooped in and picked off Jameis Winston and scored for the game-winner.
"Deion, we've put him in as many difficult matchups from a coverage standpoint as we could all year," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. He added, "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."
To read more on the Falcons defensive turnaround in the second half of the season, click here.
For those who want further analysis of Sunday's game between the Falcons and Buccaneers, check out an archive of our live blog below.
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)
