TAMPA, Fla. -- The final statistics showed two interceptions, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, four sacks, four tackles for losses and 11 quarterback hits.
Somebody didn't tell the Atlanta Falcons they were supposed to be one of the worst defenses in the league. They certainly played with a sense of urgency in Sunday's 27-17 victory over Tampa Bay.
It was only fitting that safety Kemal Ishmael came up with an interception on the game's final play, punctuating a respectable defensive effort. Throw out 39 yards scrambling by Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown and the Falcons only allowed 53 rushing yards. And Tampa Bay's ability to run allowed the Falcons to get after McCown with suddenly existent pass rush. Plus the defensive backs did their jobs in coverage, for the most part, by surrendering just one pass play longer than 20 yards.
"We played more together, I think, as an entire unit," free safety Dwight Lowery said. "I think that we didn't go with the ebbs and flows of the game. We knew they were going to make plays. We just had to be confident that we were going to make plays, too.
"At the end, we made more plays than they did and ended up winning the game. I think it's a testament to staying confident in each other and having confidence in yourself as well."
The Falcons have had their best two defensive games of the season against the Bucs (1-8). Both times, they were able to get after the sometimes elusive McCown. Designated pass-rusher Osi Umenyiora looked like he sipped from the fountain of youth before the game in making 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. He entered the game with just one sack and now leads the team with 2.5. The Falcons entered Sunday with an NFL-worst seven sacks.
Kroy Biermann, the subject of much unrest among Falcons fans, had 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and two tackles for losses. Malliciah Goodman forced a fumble that was recovered by Stansly Maponga. And big free-agent signing Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson played with more energy and purpose up front.
"We did our job stopping the run and stuff,'' Soliai said. "Still have to go watch the film and see where else we can improve.''
It wasn't a flawless defensive effort. In fact, cornerback Desmond Trufant is still kicking himself for letting an interception go through his hands right into Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans' arms for one of the Bucs' 12 first-down conversions (on 17 attempts for 71 percent).
"I seen the touchdown before I see the ball,'' Trufant said. "I seen all the grass in front of me. I just have to look it in. It's frustrating, but as long as I'm in the right spot, they're going to come.''
The defense was in a better position as a whole. Of course it helped playing with a lead for a majority of the game, which is something the Falcons haven't been accustomed to this season.
Falcons coach Mike Smith credited defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's game plan. Now his defense has to find some consistency.
"We have been playing -- even though the numbers may not dictate it -- a little bit better over the last five or six weeks on defense,'' Smith said. "I think it really showed today. The guys were able to make plays when they were presented.
"We put pressure on the quarterback and we were able to sack the quarterback. We were able to create some interceptions and when we do that, you're going to like what's happening not only to the defense, but your whole entire football team.''
