The Atlanta Falcons stunned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, overcoming a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure a 29-28 victory on Thursday night football. Kicker Zane Gonzalez knocked through the game-winning field goal as time expired to cap off the incredible comeback.
Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts led the way with 11 catches for 166 receiving yards and a career-high three touchdowns in Thursday’s win. Kirk Cousins passed for 373 yards and three touchdowns in his best performance of the season.
“It’s been a tough two years since the Achilles tear. It’s been a roller-coaster, and it’s fun to have a night like this,” Cousins said after the game.
Despite a sloppy overall performance that included franchise-record 19 penalties by Atlanta, the team got the job done in a hostile environment on national TV.
Head coach Raheem Morris praised his team’s effort in his post-game press conference.
“These guys, they’re fighters, man,” said Morris. “I was so proud of the fight, so proud of the guys. The toughness, led by their leaders. Kyle Pitts showing up in a major way. Bijan Robinson showing up in a major way. And our defense standing up when necessary. And finishing off with special teams.”
Morris was also impressed with Cousins’ performance on Thursday night.
“Kirk was absolutely phenomenal,” said Morris. “He put the ball in the right spots, gave people opportunities, made some plays when he had to make plays. You know, stood amongst the pressure. Did all the right things. I’m extremely proud of him.”
Cousins was also impressed with the resiliency of his head coach, praising Morris in a post-game interview.
“He’s such a positive coach,” Cousins said of Morris after the game. “He wants to give you everything you need to be successful. It just shows character and resiliency to be able to come out here on the road against a good football team and find a way to win.”
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons defeat Bucs: Raheem Morris comments on NFL Week 15
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