When Michael Vick hit Justin Griffith for a short touchdown pass in the first quarter, the Falcons were rolling on Tampa Bay, and then the defense came out, and Tampa Bay tied the game. The Bucs soon after take the lead thanks to a fumble by the Falcons offense.

Then the Falcons defense creates two turnovers, pro-bowlers Deangelo Hall and Keith Brooking each intercept passes from Chris Simms, setting up 10 points, and the Falcons take the lead.

The defense then held tough, but the offense couldn't put Tampa Bay away. A touchdown early in the second half, and this game gets cemented early. An endzone pass to Roddy White resulted in an incomplete pass after instant replay and the Falcons could not score again until after Tampa Bay tied the game at 17. Now, all the defense has to do is stop Tampa Bay in the final 2:00 minutes from getting into the endzone, but of course, Patrick Kerney's fingertips are not quite enough to tackle Carnell Williams from behind, and the game is tied and overtime ensues.

The Falcons then make a great play, forcing a special teams fumble and getting great field position, only to see their field goal attempt get blocked.

The defense then blows the game by allowing Tampa Bay to march down the field, but after a missed field goal by Matt Bryant, the Falcons seem energized, and Alge Crumpler makes a quick reception for 26 yards, and the Falcons are in business. But then Michael Vick slips and is sacked for a long loss, and the Falcons possession is over. After stopping Tampa Bay once, the offense sputters again, and Tampa Bay gets the ball with great field position on a punt return with under 1:00 to play. A couple quick plays, and Matt Bryant gets another shot at the game winning field goal, and he won't miss this one.

The Falcons were always just one play away from ending this game. A catch in the endzone, Vick protecting the football as he dives forward for a few yards, the defense making a key tackle. This has been the story of the second half of the Falcons season, and that is why they are not going back to the playoffs.