Buccaneers scupper Falcons’ chances of division title

THE Tampa Bay Buccaneers have scuppered Atlanta’s hopes of locking up a division title with weeks to spare in the National Football League.

A Tampa Bay pass-rush led by Derrick Brooks and Simeon Rice pressured Falcons quarterback Michael Vick into a career-high four turnovers leading to 20 points, as the Buccaneers cruised to a 27-0 victory.

The defeat denied the 9-3 Falcons a chance to clinch the NFC South division title, although they still have a commanding four-game lead with four to play.