AP News, December 10th, 2006
It doesn't seem to matter who carries for Atlanta, the Falcons usually find a way to run the ball.
The NFL's top rushing team lost Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood within a span of five plays of the third quarter, but seldom-used Justin Griffith came in to finish a 71-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown burst that helped the Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-6 on Sunday.
Dunn limped off the field with a left calf injury after gaining 9 yards to boost his season total to 997. Norwood hurt his right knee four plays later, opening the door for Griffith, who only carried six times for 34 yards before Sunday.
Atlanta's defense did its part, too, forcing two turnovers to set up 10 points, including Demorrio Williams' 54-yard fumble return for a touchdown that wiped out a 6-0 lead Tampa Bay took with help from Falcons errors.
Atlanta (7-6) has won two straight after losing four in a row to nearly drop out of playoff contention. Tampa Bay (3-10) has lost six of seven and has been limited to three field goals by Matt Bryant the past two weeks.
Griffith finished with a team-high 57 yards rushing on 12 carries. The Bucs held Michael Vick in check on the ground (5 yards), but the quarterback was effective enough throwing to complete a sweep of the season series between the NFC South rivals.
Bruce Gradkowski led a pair of first-half field goal drives for Tampa Bay. However, coach Jon Gruden benched the rookie in favor of Tim Rattay late in the fourth quarter.
