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Matt Ryan, Falcons Roll Past Buccaneers 43-28

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons drops back to pass during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 3, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

Matt Ryan threw for 344 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions Thursday night to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 43-28 road victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Matt Ryan, Falcons Roll Past Buccaneers 43-28

The Falcons (6-3) have thus maintained their lead in the NFC South, and avenged a 7-point home loss to the Buccaneers (3-5) in the season opener.

“First game of the year, they played a little better than we did that day,” Ryan said after tossing scoring passes to four different targets. “I felt like we have continued to improve from that time of year. For me, that’s like the best thing from a confidence standpoint — that we continue to get better week in and week out.”

Ryan completed 74 percent of his passes and averaged 10.1 yards per attempt. He entered the game with an NFL-best 19 touchdown passes and will likely retain his spot atop the leaderboard by the end of this week.

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Julio Jones played another strong game, with eight catches for 111 yards. It was the Falcons receiver’s fifth 100-yard game of the season, 33rd of his career.

“The amount of guys that get involved in the game is a big topic for us,” Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said.

Receiver Taylor Gabriel scored on a 9-yard run.

Jameis Winston threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns for Tampa Bay, including scoring passes of 3 and 24 yards to Mike Evans, who had 11 receptions for 150 yards.

Winston was tackled around the ankle by Atlanta’s Brooks Reed and also hit by cornerback Jalen Collins. The QB claimed he was fine and didn’t exit the game due to injury.

“Coach took me out,” Winston said.

Mike Glennon finished up for the Bucs, taking his first regular season snaps since 2014. He threw a late TD pass to Cameron Brate to cut into a 23-point deficit.

The Falcons offense still looked strong, as demonstrated by this 32-yard touchdown pass Ryan threw to Levine Toilolo midway through the first quarter to tie the game 7-7.

Atlanta will next visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 13, and the Bucs will host the Chicago Bears that same day.

TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons drops back to pass during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 3, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

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Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.