Bucs first team without pass completion since '74, still beat Falcons — SkimNews
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- Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 behind Bucky Irving’s 4-yard touchdown and three Chase McLaughlin field goals, becoming the first team since Buffalo on Sept. 29, 1974, to win without a pass completion.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers set a team rushing record with 324 yards, surpassing their previous mark of 283, and drew 100.6% of their offensive yards from the ground despite minus-2 net passing yards.
- Bucky Irving ran for 170 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries, while Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 carries, creating the first NFL game with two teammates both reaching 25 attempts and 125 yards.
- Baker Mayfield went 0-for-3 with 52 handoffs and 13 scramble yards in his second game back after missing three weeks with a fractured thumb.
- Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions while completing 8 of 24 passes for 125 yards, and Bijan Robinson was held to 76 yards on 19 carries.
- Alex Anzalone intercepted Penix twice and Jacob Parrish picked off another pass, giving Tampa Bay three takeaways; Jessie Bates III also forced Irving’s end-zone fumble.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 3-5, won three of four after an 0-4 start and moved within a half-game of Carolina at 3-4 in the NFC South.
Why it matters: Atlanta’s loss reflected both Tampa Bay’s record-setting ground game and the Falcons’ quarterback play: Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions, and Bijan Robinson managed 76 yards on 19 carries. Tampa Bay improved to 3-5 and moved within a half-game of 3-4 Carolina in the NFC South.
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