Steven Jackson: 'It was important to be physical'

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson has admitted that it was important for his side to set a physical tone at the start of their 27-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 31-year-old ran for 81 yards off 16 carries in their NFC South clash and also scored a touchdown, and he feels that the Falcons' ability to run the ball helped them stamp their authority on the game.

"It's really important to set a physical tone," Jackson told reporters. "The game of football is a physical game. Whenever you're going into a game, you've got to set the tempo. You've got to set your presence before anybody else.

"I take pride in that. And I think a lot of times, people are getting away from it because the game has turned into a passing game. The appreciation is being lost. But it's still very important. You see that with the defending Super Bowl champions (Seattle Seahawks)."

The Falcons are 3-6 in their season following their win over the Buccaneers.