Julio Jones helps Atlanta Falcons prevail over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary has been struggling in the 2017 NFL season and they had no answer today for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. He caught 12 passes for 253 yards receiving and two touchdowns in a 34-20 win over the Buccaneers.

With the game tied at 3 in the second-quarter, Julio Jones caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Mohamed Sanu. That was only Sanu's attempted pass of the game. He also had 64 yards receiving on 8 catches. Matt Ryan threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones later in the second. Ryan completed 26-of-35 passes for 317 yards and a touchdown.

With the Falcons leading 20-6 in the third-quarter, Tevin Coleman scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. Peyton Barber scored on a 2-yard touchdown run later in the third for Tampa Bay. Barber scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for Tampa Bay in the fourth. He only had seven rushing yards on five carries but Barber did have two touchdowns.

Atlanta put the icing on the cake late when Tevin Coleman scored on a 14-yard touchdown run. Coleman finished with 97 yards rushing on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Terron Ward rushed for 35 yards on seven carries. Devonta Freeman missed his second consecutive game with a concussion.

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Speaking of missing games, Buccaneers' quarterback Jameis Winston missed his third consecutive game with a shoulder injury. Ryan Fitzpatrick started in his place again and he completed 27-of-44 passes for 283 yards.

Mike Evans was Tampa Bay's leading receiver with six catches for 78 yards receiving. Patrick Murray made two field goals for the Buccaneers (36 and 27 yards). Matt Bryant made two field goals for the Falcons (49 and 36 yards).

Tampa Bay will be on the road next week against the Green Bay Packers (5-5) and Atlanta will host the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) next week.