Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London had one of the best games of his young career against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers in a thrilling 36-30 overtime win.

London came into the divisional matchup with 20 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns through the first four games of the season. The Falcons looked like they could move at 2-2. 2-0 in NFC South division play. London dominated the Buccaneers secondary, putting up 12 receptions, 155 receiving yards and a touchdown.

London made big catches on the penultimate drive to help the Falcons get within field goal range to tie at the end of regulation. London also had two receptions on three plays during Atlanta’s scoring drive in overtime.

“We went out and had to find a way to execute this and that’s what we did. We feel really good now,” London said in the on-field interview after the match.

The reliability that London provides is an important factor for an offense that relies heavily on the run game, but will need to express it against certain teams that specialize in neutralizing run threats.

In the second quarter, London took a big hit in the second quarter and was assessed for a concussion in the infamous blue medical tent. London passed all tests and, after being cleared from the concussion protocol, was able to return to the game and still contribute. Concussions have become a hot-button topic, but the toughness on display is something tangible that fuels that team.

After his second catch in overtime, London got off to a slow start after getting a hit to the side. The athletic trainers brought him off the field for the eventual final play, and London was seen sprinting across the field to celebrate with his teammates.

After his game-winning touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles, it was a talking point that the Falcons would involve him more in the game plan. The former No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has been productive to start his career, despite some of the negative discourse. London has posted at least 69 receptions, 866 yards and two touchdowns in each of his two seasons.

London is currently on pace for his best season yet and in his first season with veteran Kirk Cousins ​​at quarterback, he looks to be the top eight prospect his talent deserves. The Falcons have been creative with London’s lineup to help create mismatches for the heavyset athlete. Putting him in the slot more could be a calling card for the future.

The Falcons moved to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the NFC South. With two games remaining against the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons should feel good about their position in the division. London’s development will continue to be a force to be reckoned with if he can remain healthy.