Buccaneers Shut Out Falcons Without Completing a Pass

The Buccaneers relied almost entirely on the ground game to defeat the Falcons 16-0 in Tampa on November 1. Baker Mayfield attempted three passes and completed none as heavy rain fell during the game. Tampa Bay became the first team to win an NFL game without a completion since the Buffalo Bills did so in 1974; it was also the first team since 1945 to win by at least 10 points without a completion.

Tampa Bay ran for 324 yards. Bucky Irving gained 170 yards and scored a touchdown on 27 carries, while Kenneth Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 carries. Mayfield contributed 14 rushing yards. Irving and Gainwell became the first NFL teammates to each record at least 25 carries and 125 rushing yards in the same game.

The Buccaneers’ defense also played a central role, shutting out Atlanta and intercepting Michael Penix Jr. four times. Penix completed eight of 24 passes for 125 yards. It was the first time a Falcons quarterback had thrown four interceptions in a game since Kirk Cousins did so in 2024.

The win followed Tampa Bay’s victory over Carolina the previous week, when Mayfield completed seven passes. The Buccaneers and Falcons both entered the game with 3-5 records. Carolina led the NFC South at 3-4 entering Week 9, while New Orleans was 2-5 and on a bye in Week 8.