The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons have had a rivalry that has grown significantly over the years, particularly due to their shared membership in the NFC South Division. Although the rivalry doesn’t have the same level of intensity as some of the older, more storied matchups in the NFL, it has delivered its share of exciting moments and key games. Here's a historical overview of their rivalry and some of the key moments that shaped it:
Early Encounters and Division Realignment (1977–2001)
The Buccaneers and Falcons first faced off on December 18, 1977, when the Buccaneers were still part of the NFC Central, and the Falcons were in the NFC West. The Bucs were an expansion team at the time and struggled in the early years of the matchup. The Falcons dominated much of these early encounters, largely because of the Bucs' inconsistent play.
In 2002, the NFL realigned its divisions, placing the Buccaneers and Falcons in the newly formed NFC South. This move solidified the rivalry, as both teams would now face each other twice a year, sparking a new chapter in their competitive history.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
2002: Buccaneers Super Bowl Season (Turning the Rivalry) In the first season of the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged as a powerhouse under head coach Jon Gruden, eventually winning their first-ever Super Bowl (XXXVII). Tampa Bay swept the Falcons that season, signaling their dominance not only in the division but across the league. That year, the Bucs' fierce defense, led by Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Ronde Barber, consistently stifled the Falcons, setting the tone for the rivalry in the early 2000s.
2007: Michael Vick Scandal and Falcons Struggles The late 2000s saw a dramatic shift in the fortunes of the Falcons. The team was devastated by the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal, which left the franchise in turmoil. During this time, the Buccaneers, under the leadership of veteran players like Jeff Garcia and Derrick Brooks, continued to assert their dominance over Atlanta. In 2007, Tampa Bay swept the Falcons, contributing to Atlanta's worst season (4-12) since 1996.
2012: Falcons' Rise and Dominance Under Matt Ryan The arrival of quarterback Matt Ryan in 2008 marked a new era for the Falcons. By the early 2010s, Atlanta had become a consistent playoff contender, and their rivalry with Tampa Bay heated up again. In 2012, the Falcons finished with a league-best 13-3 record, and while Tampa Bay struggled during this period, the games between the two remained highly competitive. Atlanta began to dominate the head-to-head series during this stretch, with Julio Jones and Ryan leading an explosive offense.
2016: Falcons Super Bowl Run One of the most notable seasons for the Falcons came in 2016, when they reached the Super Bowl under head coach Dan Quinn. That season, Atlanta swept Tampa Bay in the regular season, with Julio Jones putting on a particularly memorable performance in a 43-28 victory. The Falcons' high-powered offense, led by Matt Ryan, dominated the division and paved the way for their Super Bowl appearance (though they famously lost to the Patriots).
2020: The Brady Effect The rivalry took on new life in 2020 when the Buccaneers signed quarterback Tom Brady, immediately changing the dynamic of the NFC South. In Brady’s first season with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers swept the Falcons and went on to win Super Bowl LV. The Week 15 game between the two teams was notable for Atlanta blowing a 17-0 halftime lead (reminiscent of their Super Bowl LI collapse), with Brady engineering a comeback for a 31-27 win. This era of the rivalry became defined by Tampa Bay's resurgence as an NFC powerhouse, particularly with their elite passing attack.
2021–2022: Close Contests and Division Shifts The Bucs, under Brady, continued their success in the NFC South, but the games against the Falcons remained competitive. In 2021, Tampa Bay secured a close 31-27 win in Week 2, with Rob Gronkowski and Brady combining for a dominant performance. While the Falcons struggled in the post-Matt Ryan era, the games remained exciting, reflecting the unpredictability of divisional matchups.
Rivalry Stats Overview
- First Meeting: December 18, 1977 (Falcons won 17-0)
- Series Record (as of 2024): The all-time series is closely contested, but Tampa Bay has the edge in recent years, particularly since Tom Brady joined the team.
- Notable Streaks:
- The Falcons dominated the rivalry during much of the early 2000s and again from 2008–2015.
- The Buccaneers have largely controlled the rivalry since 2020 with the arrival of Tom Brady.
Memorable Players in the Rivalry
- Buccaneers: Tom Brady, Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, Ronde Barber, Mike Evans
- Falcons: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Michael Vick, Deion Sanders, Roddy White
Conclusion
The Buccaneers vs. Falcons rivalry has been shaped by multiple eras, with each team having periods of dominance. From the Buccaneers' defensive strength in the early 2000s to the Falcons' offensive firepower in the 2010s, and back to the Bucs' resurgence with Tom Brady, the rivalry continues to evolve. As divisional foes, every season brings renewed intensity, making this matchup one to watch in the NFC South.
