Falcons drop regular-season finale to Bucs, 22-17 - Gainesville Times

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Falcons drop regular-season finale to Bucs, 22-17

Atlanta still has bye to open postseason, home-field throughout

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) reacts to an interception he made against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of Sunday's game in Atlanta - photo by David Goldman

1231Falcons1 — Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) reacts to an interception he made against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of Sunday's game in Atlanta - photo by David Goldman

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.

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