Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Markus White, right, tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as he just gets off a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL game Sunday in Atlanta. The Buccaneers won 22-17.ATLANTA – The Falcons heard questions all week about the best way to approach their last regular-season game: Go for the win or protect starters for the playoffs.
Coach Mike Smith went for the win, sticking with his starters all the way, but the Falcons lost the game and two key defensive players to injuries.
Josh Freeman threw a touchdown pass to Mike Williams and Doug Martin ran for 142 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown run, in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 22-17 victory over Atlanta on Sunday.
The Falcons (13-3) had little to play for as they already have home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs. Smith’s hope was to gain momentum for his team, which will have a first-round bye in the playoffs next week.
“You want to go out and play your best,” Smith said. “To go out there and not play your best is counterintuitive to guys in that locker room and it’s counterintuitive to us as football coaches.”