The Falcons' offense spent most of the first half on the field, but after forcing three turnovers in critical situations, the Buccaneers enter halftime leading, 13-3.
Atlanta has controlled time of possession, holding onto the ball for 18 of 30 minutes. The team also has the edge in total offensive plays ran, 33-24. But Tampa Bay has halted three of their drives, two deep in Buccaneer territory, by forcing turnovers.
At the end of the first quarter, Kwon Alexander chased Julio Jones down from behind and ripped the ball out of his hands near midfield for the Bucs' first turnover. In the second quarter, Jacquies Smith recovered a fumbled snap inside the Bucs' 20.
Alexander picked up his second turnover of the first half when he picked off Matt Ryan at the end of the second quarter.
The Bucs turned all three turnovers into points. Connor Barth nailed field goals from 38 and 23 yards before Jameis Winston connected with Cameron Brate for a touchdown at the end of the first half. Since joining the Buccaneers earlier this season, Barth has yet to miss a field goal.
The Bucs have had a nearly perfect split between run and pass plays. Tampa Bay has run the ball 12 times and passed it 11 times. Winston has completed seven of those 11 for 110 yards, an average of 10 yards and a touchdown. Doug Martin has carried the ball eight times for 26 yards while Charles Sims added an additional 19 yards.
Chris Conte leads the Bucs in tackles with six. William Gholston trails closely behind with five.
The Buccaneers are set to receive at the start of the second half.
