Cousins completed 42 of 58 passes for 509 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception, as the Falcons secured another close win against a division opponent, having narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints just days earlier.
At 36 years old, Cousins surpassed Matt Ryan’s previous Falcons single-game passing record of 503 yards, established in 2016. Younghoe Koo of Atlanta kicked a 52-yard field goal to equalize the score at 30-30 as time expired in regulation, setting the stage for an exciting overtime after a dramatic fourth quarter that included a dropped pass, a blocked field goal, and an interception thrown by Cousins.
Winning the coin toss, the Falcons took possession first in overtime, with Cousins leading a swift 70-yard drive in just four plays. He connected with Drake London for an 18-yard gain, but London was injured on the play, prompting Cousins to target Hodge, who caught a well-placed pass and raced 45 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
“I really just don’t know what to say,” Hodge remarked, acknowledging his role primarily on special teams. “It’s a game of opportunity, and I made sure I took advantage of it.”
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| ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 03: KhaDarel Hodge #12 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) |
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| ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 03: Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass intended for Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) |
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| Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with the mascot after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) |
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| ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 03: Owner Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Todd Kirkland / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) |
The Buccaneers had opportunities to secure the win in regulation, but Atlanta's defense forced a fumble to stop one of their drives with under four minutes left. The Falcons also missed key chances, including a dropped pass by receiver Darnell Mooney that would have resulted in a first down and a blocked 54-yard field goal attempt by Koo.
With 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter, Cousins’ pass intended for Mooney was intercepted, but the Buccaneers were unable to capitalize and were forced to punt, giving the Falcons one last opportunity to tie the game. Koo delivered, even after a delay of game penalty required him to kick from five yards further back.
Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in March, successfully connected with seven different receivers during the game. London recorded 12 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown, while Mooney contributed with nine catches.