Atlanta Falcons Sink Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 56-14
Devin Hester ran back a punt 62 yards for his NFL-record 20th career touchdown return, and the Falcons routed Tampa Bay, 56-14, in Atlanta on Thursday night. Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan completed 21 of 24 passes for 286 yards and three scores, including two to Julio Jones.
Atlanta (2-1) broke out to a 21-0 lead early. They piled up a 56-0 advantage by the start of the fourth quarter before Tampa Bay (0-3) finally got on the board with two meaningless late touchdowns. The Buccaneers committed five turnovers on the game.
Hester's second quarter return broke Deion Sanders record for career return touchdowns. It was his 14th career TD while running back a punt. Hester has also had five scores on kickoffs and one on a fumble return. He did Sanders' trademark "Primetime" high-step on his way into the end zone.
Jones led all receivers with nine receptions and 161 yards.