NFL 2016 News & Updates: Atlanta Falcons Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday; Falcons 2 Games Ahead New Orleans Saints

Revenge was sweet for the Atlanta Falcons when they cruised to a 43-28 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night at the Raymond James Stadium for their second meeting of the season.

The Tampa Bay Bucs beat the Falcons on their first outing (31-24) at the opening of the season when they met in Atlanta.

 "They played a little better than we did that day. I feel like we have continued to improve," Ryan said. "For me, the best thing from a confidence standpoint is that we continue to get better, week in and week out." This time the Falcons handed the Tampa Bay Bucs their second straight loss coming at the heels of a three straight win streak making the Bucs 3-5 nine weeks into the season, while the Falcons improve to 6-3, putting them two games ahead of the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay was outgunned on the defensive side of the fence.

Matt Ryan, the NFL's passing yardage leader, was nearly perfect again Thursday night, throwing for 344 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions to put the NFC South leader in better position for first place. Atlanta's Devonta Freeman added 77 yards on the ground.

Thursday night also featured a showdown between two of the league's elite receivers. Atlanta's Julio Jones  captured 111 receiving yards and a score, while Tampa Bay's Mike Evans fought back with 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

75 yards. He's GONE.

JULIO JONES IS A MONSTER. #CARvsATL  https://t.co/nPgbXeaSW1

— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2016

Keanu Neal is so violent. #Falcons #ATLvsTB pic.twitter.com/OETolXA0YF — Rise Up Reader (@RiseUpReader) November 4, 2016

However, Evans was checked for a concussion late in the game.