NFL44 min ago2 minute read

Bucs Beat Falcons 16-0 Without Single Completed Pass

Tampa Bay relied on a record rushing performance to defeat Atlanta 16-0 despite zero passing completions.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Ground game dominant in sloppy conditions

Tampa Bay relied entirely on its running attack during a heavy rainstorm on Sunday. The Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 despite quarterback Baker Mayfield failing to complete a pass. Mayfield finished 0 for 3 in his second game back from a fractured thumb.

Bucky Irving led the charge with 170 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 carries. They became the first pair of teammates in NFL history to each record at least 25 carries and 125 rushing yards in the same game.

Historic stats and defensive takeaways

Tampa Bay set a franchise record with 324 rushing yards. The Buccaneers finished with minus 2 net passing yards due to a sack, meaning 100.6 percent of their offensive yards came on the ground. It was the first time an NFL team won a game without completing a pass since 1974.

Atlanta struggled on offense as Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions while going 8 for 24 for 125 yards. Alex Anzalone intercepted Penix twice, and Jacob Parrish picked off another pass. Bijan Robinson was held to 76 yards on 19 carries for the Falcons.

Special teams and division standings

Kicker Chase McLaughlin provided nine points for Tampa Bay, connecting on field goals from 46, 34, and 42 yards. He remains perfect on the season, making all 19 of his field goal attempts. Atlanta missed an early scoring chance when Nick Folk pulled a 53 yard field goal wide left.

The victory moves Tampa Bay to 3-5 after starting the season with four consecutive losses. They are now just a half game behind the 3-4 Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. The Falcons also fell to 3-5 with the loss.

What it means for the next game

Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Atlanta Falcons win 38%, Cincinnati Bengals win 62%; projected score Atlanta Falcons 23, Cincinnati Bengals 27. Our safest pick: Bengals +4.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (NFL, Mon, 09 Nov): Chicago Bears win 69%, Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 31%; projected score Chicago Bears 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20. Our safest pick: Bears to win.