The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were embarrassed in primetime television Thursday night as the Atlanta Falcons cruised to a 56-14 win at the Georgia Dome.
The Falcons (2-1) built a 56-0 lead in the third quarter before the Bucs (0-3) got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter.
Mike Glennon, who replaced an injuredJosh McCownin the second quarter, connected withVincent Jacksonon a 3-yard score beforeDanny Lansanahpicked off Falcons quarterbackT.J. Yatesand returned it 27-yards for a touchdown.
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Atlanta built a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and it was 35-0 at half time. The Bucs didn’t collect their first 1st down until halfway through the second quarter.
The Atlanta lead hit 56-0 with 1:47 left in third quarter asAntone Smithbroke off a 38-yard touchdown run.
Falcons quarterbackMatt Ryanwas 21-of-24 for 286 yards and three touchdowns whileSteven Jacksonran for 56 yards and a score.Devin Hester, who had a punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter, also had a rushing touchdown.Julio Jonescollected 161 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine catches.
For the Bucs, everything was a disaster. McCown left injured after hurting his right hand after his follow through on a pass hit the helmet of a Falcons player but not before he threw a pick six toKemal Ishmaelin the first quarter.
Glennon replaced him and was steady but had some errant passes mixed in too. He finished 17-of-24 for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Bobby Raineystarted for the Bucs in place of the injuredDoug Martinbut had a night to forget. He fumbled twice and was benched for periods of time. He finished with 41 rushing yards and led the team with 64 receiving yards.Mike Evanshad four catches for 52 yards.
On the defensive side, the Bucs gave up 488 yards of offense and 26 first downs. Atlanta went 8-of-11 on third down. The Bucs did create four turnovers though as they stripped Atlanta runners.
Gerald McCoyandMason Fosterwere inactive after the injuries they suffered at the weekend.Lavonte Davidhad a team high eight tackles whileMark Barronhad seven.Dane Fletcher, who started in place of Foster, andAkeem Spencecombined for the Bucs’ lone sack.
Tamapa Bay had 11 penalties for 110 yards, a number of which came on personal penalties, one that included centerEvan Dietrich-Smithhead-butting an opponent.
The Bucs have the next 10 days off before they face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on Sept. 28.
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