Buccaneers 24 Falcons 9: Brian Griese Leads Tampa Bay to Victory

What a difference a week makes for Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. After being the toast of the NFL for helping lead the surprising Falcons to their week one over the Detroit Lions, the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft played like the rookie he is on Sunday afternoon.

Ryan missed on nine of his first ten passes, throwing two interceptions in the process, as Atlanta fell, 24-9, to the host Buccaneers.

Brian Griese started for Tampa Bay in place of the injured/benched Jeff Garcia, and was, for the most part, efficient as he finished the day 18-of-31 for 160 yards and a touchdown. The veteran connected with John Gilmore for a 5-yard score in the first quarter following an interception by rookie Aqib Talib, the first of his career.

The story of the day, however, for Tampa Bay was a strong defensive effort and the running of Earnest Graham and the seemingly ageless Warrick Dunn.

The Tampa Bay defense harassed Ryan much of the day, as he finished a dismal13-of-33 with two interceptions, while also being sacked four times, including two from second-year defensive end Gaines Adams. Michael Turner, who set a franchise record with 220 yards rushing for the Falcons in week one, was held to just 42 yards on 14 carries.

Meanwhile, for the Buccaneers, Earnest Graham racked up 116 yards on 15 carries, while Warrick Dunn gained 49 yards on 12 carries, including a 17-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to give Tampa Bay a 14-0 lead. Graham had a game-clinching 68-yard score in the fourth quarter.

Both teams now find themselves at 1-1 in the seemingly wide-open NFC South. Tampa Bay will travel to Chicago next week, while Atlanta returns home to take on the winless Chiefs.