On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers proved that a strong rushing attack can win games even when the passing game is shut down. Playing in wet, sloppy conditions at the Falcons’ home field, the Bucs defeated Atlanta 16‑0, setting a new team record of 324 rushing yards.
Rushing leads the way
Running back Bucky Irving carried the ball 27 times for 170 yards and a touchdown, while teammate Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 carries. The duo’s combined effort eclipsed the previous franchise high of 283 yards set in 2015.
Kick specialist Chase McLaughlin was perfect on the day, converting three field goals – from 46, 34 and 42 yards – to keep the Buccaneers ahead throughout the game.
Mayfield’s role without a pass
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, returning from a fractured thumb, did not complete a single pass, going 0‑for‑3. He handled the ball 52 times, handing it off to his backs and even scrambling for 13 yards. After the game, Mayfield said, “I’ll do whatever it takes to win. That’s all that matters to me.”
Mayfield’s willingness to embrace the ground‑heavy game plan reflected the team’s focus on ball control in the rain. He added, “If I’m not gonna throw the ball, I have to get active somehow,” highlighting the physical effort required in the mud‑filled contest.
Falcons struggle to move the ball
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 8 of 24 attempts for 125 yards but threw four interceptions. Running back Bijan Robinson was limited to 76 yards on 19 carries. The Falcons were unable to generate any points, and their offense stalled repeatedly.
Defensive standouts for Tampa Bay included Alex Anzalone, who intercepted Penix twice, and Jessie Bates III, who forced a fumble after Irving’s fumble out of the end zone.
Historical context
The Buccaneers became the first team since the Buffalo Bills in 1974 to win a game without completing a pass. They also marked the first double‑digit victory without a pass completion since the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Chicago Cardinals 23‑0 in 1945.
With the win, Tampa Bay improves to 3‑5, just a half‑game behind the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. The Buccaneers have won three of their last four games after starting the season 0‑4.
Looking ahead
Next week, the Buccaneers travel to Chicago to face the Bears in a primetime matchup, while the Falcons head to Madrid for an NFL regular‑season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
