It was over when ...
Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber brought back a Chris Redman interception 29 yards for a score on the game's opening possession. The Falcons answered with a field goal, but Tampa Bay then reeled off 30 unanswered points.
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| Scott A. Miller / US PRESSWIRE |
| Bucs RB Earnest Graham accounted for 119 total yards and a touchdown. » Watch Graham highlights |
Game balls
Second-year kick returner Micheal Spurlock had Tampa Bay's first-ever kickoff return for a touchdown, a 90-yarder in the first quarter. On defense, rookie end Gaines Adams recorded four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a dominant defensive outing for the Bucs.
Key stat
With new coach Emmitt Thomas taking over for Bobby Petrino, who left for Arkansas earler in the week, the Falcons put forth a lackluster offensive performance. They totaled five first downs, 27 yards passing, 133 total yards and were 0-for-9 on third down. Capping off the outing, they had more turnovers (five) than completions (four).
Noteworthy
Barber's pick-six was the ninth of his career and a franchise record. ... Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia returned after missing two games with a back injury. He threw an interception in only the second game out of 12 starts. ... Morten Andersen extended his record consecutive games scoring streak to 358 with a first-quarter field goal. ... Falcons running back Jerious Norwood left early with an apparent ankle injury, but came back and finished with 73 yards rushing on nine carries.
