Understandably, Kirk Cousins and KhaDarel Hodge dominated the headlines after the Atlanta Falcons’ sensational overtime victory in their Thursday Night Football match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, wide receiver Drake London deserves a ton of credit for the 36-30 result that improved his team’s record to 3-2.
London was on fire, collecting 12 receptions out of 13 targets for 154 yards and a touchdown. It’s only his fourth 100-yard game since entering the league in 2022 and his first this season. London caught the touchdown pass in the first quarter, putting the Falcons on the scoreboard first.
.@DrakeLondon_ had himself a night!
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2024
12 REC
154 YDs
1 TD pic.twitter.com/DcXslWM1qa
Meanwhile, Darnell Mooney finished with nine catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. It’s the fifth 100-yard game of his career and first this season. Mooney completed his first TD catch versus the Buccaneers in the second quarter, a 24-yarder from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. That reception had the Falcons ahead of the Buccaneers 14-10.
Mooney’s second TD catch came early in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 27. That score was pivotal in sending the game to overtime, which the Falcons conquered via the winning pass from Cousins to Hodge.
London and Mooney’s performances were a massive part of the Falcons’ 550 yards on offense. More importantly, Atlanta is in a nice groove, winning their last two games. The momentum they’ve built will help them in their Week 6 road game against the Carolina Panthers.
-Lance Fernandez