Game story
In Week 15 of the 2008 NFL season on 2008-12-14, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 13–10 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Griese (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with -4.93 total EPA, and +5.7% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.16 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-25.5% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (2:37) 9-M.Koenen punt is BLOCKED by 87-B.Clark, Center-46-M.Schneck, RECOVERED by TB-21-S.Piscitelli at ATL 40. 21-S.Piscitelli to ATL 22 for 18 yards (52-C.Wire).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | OT | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Bryant · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +8.16 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
- 2 M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.18 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.73 EPA/play
- 3 R. White · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.56 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.14 EPA/play
- 4 M. Clayton · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.03 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.34 EPA/play
- 5 J. Stevens · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.73 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.36 EPA/play
- 6 J. Norwood · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.25 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
- 7 I. Hilliard · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.02 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
- 8 M. Turner · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.80 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.90 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Bryant — TB · Receiving
A. Bryant posted the highest total EPA (+8.16) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.02 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.61 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (9:14) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 85-J.Rader for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Tampa Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 85-J.Rader to TB 1 for 26 yards (23-J.Phillips). FUMBL
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Turner
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Bryant (B. Griese pass)
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 8 (Q1 51:53) — (6:53) 1-J.Elam 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q1 46:03) — (1:03) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q1 46:01) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the ATL 20 (Q2 30:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 8-B.Griese pass deep left to 89-A.Bryant for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 30:11) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 3–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the ATL 20 (Q4 0:48) — (:48) 3-M.Bryant 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell..
Overtime: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the TB 16 (OT 4:08) — (4:08) 1-J.Elam 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:37) — (2:37) 9-M.Koenen punt is BLOCKED by 87-B.Clark, Center-46-M.Schneck, RECOVERED by TB-21-S.Piscitelli at ATL 40. 21-S.Piscitelli to ATL 22 for 18 yards (52-C.Wire).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 11:07) — (11:07) (Shotgun) 8-B.Griese sacked at TB 24 for -13 yards (55-J.Abraham).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 3:43) — (3:43) 3-M.Bryant 53 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 22:17) — (7:17) 8-B.Griese pass short left intended for 80-M.Clayton INTERCEPTED by 24-D.Foxworth at ATL 37. 24-D.Foxworth to ATL 38 for 1 yard (80-M.Clayton).
- Atlanta Falcons (OT 6:05) — (6:05) 33-M.Turner right tackle to TB 18 for 17 yards (21-S.Piscitelli).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 24:14) — (9:14) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 85-J.Rader for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Tampa Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 85-J.Rader to TB 1 for 26 yards (2
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 22:17) — (7:17) 8-B.Griese pass short left intended for 80-M.Clayton INTERCEPTED by 24-D.Foxworth at ATL 37. 24-D.Foxworth to ATL 38 for 1 yard (80-M.Clayton).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 30:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 8-B.Griese pass deep left to 89-A.Bryant for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:37) — (2:37) 9-M.Koenen punt is BLOCKED by 87-B.Clark, Center-46-M.Schneck, RECOVERED by TB-21-S.Piscitelli at ATL 40. 21-S.Piscitelli to ATL 22 for 18 yards (52-C.Wire).
Quarterback report card
B.Griese led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Griese (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 41 dropbacks · 63.4% completion · +5.7% CPOE · -0.12 EPA/play · -4.93 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 28 dropbacks · 53.6% completion · +3.9% CPOE · -0.21 EPA/play · -5.89 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.167 | -0.142 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.2% | 42.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.120 | -0.210 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.097 | -0.096 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.142 | +0.167 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.8% | 57.8% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Tampa Bay Buccaneers -0.17, Atlanta Falcons -0.14) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Atlanta Falcons: 14 drives, -11.79 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13 drives, -15.02 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- A. Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Griese (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- M. Ryan (ATL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 51:53 · TB 8 · Score 0-3
(6:53) 1-J.Elam 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 46:03 · TB 1 · Score 0-9
(1:03) 33-M.Turner right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 46:01 · TB 2 · Score 0-10
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 30:15 · ATL 20 · Score 6-10
(:15) (Shotgun) 8-B.Griese pass deep left to 89-A.Bryant for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 30:11 · ATL 2 · Score 7-10
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 0:48 · ATL 20 · Score 10-10
(:48) 3-M.Bryant 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — OT 4:08 · TB 16 · Score 10-13
(4:08) 1-J.Elam 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10 in Week 15, 2008 on 2008-12-14.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Atlanta Falcons 13 (TB 10-13 ATL) in Week 15, 2008 on 2008-12-14.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Atlanta Falcons 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q1 46:03) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Bryant (B. Griese pass) (Q2 30:15) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q1 51:53, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 0:48, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (OT 4:08, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
B. Griese (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 63.4% completion, +5.7% CPOE, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -4.93 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 53.6% completion, +3.9% CPOE, -0.21 EPA per dropback, -5.89 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons?
A. Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +8.16 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.61 EPA): (9:14) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 85-J.Rader for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Tampa Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 85-J.Rader to . The biggest win-probability swing was -25.5%.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Atlanta Falcons won 13-10 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 9-4 Now 9-5 L
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
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