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Hester sets return record as Falcons rout Buccaneers

Dale Zanine / USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons dominated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the opening snap, routing their NFC South rival 56-14.

Devin Hester scored his 20th career return touchdown, breaking Deion Sanders' record.

Box Score | Fantasy Pulse

Here's what you need to know...

  • Hester broke Deion Sanders' record for the most career return touchdowns with 20. It was an eventful night for Hester as he scored a rushing touchdown and forced a fumble earlier in the first half.
  • Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown left the game with a right thumb injury and did not return. He was replaced by Mike Glennon.
  • Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was clinically efficient, going 21/24 for 286 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
  • This game featured one of the weirdest plays you'll ever see. Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo fumbled and Buccaneers safety Mark Barron recovered the ball. However, Hester stripped Barron of the ball, regaining possession for the Falcons.
  • The Falcons took a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, and scored a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. The game was over before it ever got started.
  • It didn't get much better for the Buccaneers in the second half, as the Falcons scored two touchdowns over 12 seconds. Yes, seriously.
  • The Buccaneers scored 14 points unanswered in the fourth quarter after the Falcons jumped out to a 56-0 lead. 

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