by JJ Cooper
The Falcons had long ago exceeded any expectations for the 2008 season, but on Sunday, they just added to coach Mike Smith's now-impressive resume.
The Falcons had to wait until Jason Elam's overtime field goal to knock off the Bucs in a key NFC South game, keeping the team's playoff hopes alive, but this was a game that the team had almost wrapped up several times before.
If backup tight end Jason Radar hadn't fumbled at the one-yard line, the Falcons could have put this game away during regulation. If Matt Ryan hadn't actually looked like a rookie on a couple of plays, the Falcons could have put the game away. If Michael Koenen hadn't had a punt blocked in the final three minutes of regulation, Atlanta would have walked off winners without the need for an overtime.
Falcons 13, Bucs 10: Falcons Don't Mind Working Overtime for Another Win originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.