The Atlanta Falcons lost a 23-20 thriller to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to open the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. The final three minutes were wildly entertaining, with both teams scoring touchdowns before Atlanta missed a potential game-tying field goal that would have sent the game to overtime.
The Falcons are now 0-1 heading into Week 2. Here are six takeaways from Sunday's season-opening loss to the Buccaneers.
Penix completed his first two passes to Robinson, including a 50-yard touchdown to put the team up 7-0 in the first quarter. The second-year QB played like a seasoned veteran, making some huge plays late to give Atlanta a lead in the fourth quarter. Whether it was with his arm or his legs, Penix showed incredible poise and clutch ability in the game's biggest moments. He completed 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown, adding another 21 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Even though the Falcons lost, it was an impressive showing for Penix.
Safety Xavier Watts was solid in coverage throughout the game, nearly intercepting two different passes and making some tough solo tackles. Watts finished the game with six solo tackles and two passes defended. Billy Bowman Jr. was flying all around the ball and held his own in coverage as well. While the Falcons did not start James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker , both rookies got plenty of playing time and played well. Walker had three tackles and Pearce finished with one QB hit.
Robinson made a bigger impact as a wide receiver than as a running back in the first half. The third-year back had just six rushing yards and 71 receiving yards with a touchdown reception at halftime. For the game, Robinson finished with 12 carries for 24 yards on the ground, with seven catches for a team-high 100 yards and a touchdown. On a day when the offensive line wasn't getting much push, Robinson versatility shined through.
Deablo signed with the Falcons in the offseason but fans knew little about the former Raiders linebacker. He won a starting job out of training camp and played extremely well in Week 1. Deablo finished his team debut with six combined tackles and a half-sack. His versatility was on display on Sunday and his future looks promising. If not for the loss, people would likely be talking about Deablo a bit more.
Wilkinson committed a two false start penalties that hurt Atlanta's offense. It was an overall rough day for Wilkinson replacing Kaleb McGary . The veteran offensive lineman struggled overall on a day when the Falcons' offensive line didn't get much push up front. In fairness to Wilkinson, it was his first start and he's facing a pretty big challenge as Penix's blind-side protector.
In Week 2, the Falcons will head to Minnesota for a Sunday night matchup against the Vikings. Kirk Cousins will return to the city he spent six seasons in, this time as a backup to Penix. The Vikings are starting second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy , who replaced Sam Darnold over the offseason. Minnesota plays on Monday night against the Chicago Bears if you feel like scouting Atlanta's next opponent.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Bucs: Game recap from NFL Week 1
