The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found an extraordinary way to win their Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. In a rain-soaked game at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs defeated Atlanta 16-0 despite not completing a single pass, becoming just the second team in the Super Bowl era to win a game without recording a completion.
Tampa Bay didn’t need to complete a pass
The weather played a major role in the unusual offensive performance. Baker Mayfield attempted just three passes and finished 0-for-3 with zero passing yards, while Tampa Bay leaned almost entirely on its rushing attack.
The Bucs ran the ball 56 times and piled up 324 rushing yards, setting a new franchise record. Bucky Irving led the way with a career-high 170 rushing yards and the game’s only touchdown, while Kenny Gainwell added a career-best 140 yards.
It was a remarkable performance considering the NFL had not seen a team win without completing a pass since the Buffalo Bills did it against the New York Jets in 1974. Tampa Bay is now just the second team in the Super Bowl era to accomplish the feat.
Bucs dominate Falcons
While Tampa Bay’s offense made history, its defense made sure the unusual game plan was enough to secure the victory.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. struggled throughout the afternoon, completing just 8 of 24 passes for 125 yards and throwing four interceptions. Alex Anzalone intercepted Penix twice in the first quarter, while Jacob Parrish and Zyon McCollum added interceptions later in the game.
The Bucs also survived one of the strangest plays of the game when Baker Mayfield recovered a fumbled snap and lateraled the ball to Irving, who appeared to have a clear path to the end zone. Atlanta safety Jessie Bates chased him down and forced a fumble just short of the goal line, with the ball going out of the end zone for a touchback.
Despite that missed opportunity, Tampa Bay’s defense continued to shut Atlanta down. The Falcons were held scoreless, and the Bucs improved to 3-5 with their second consecutive victory.
It was an NFL win unlike almost any other: Tampa Bay didn’t complete a pass, but it ran for 324 yards, forced four interceptions and pitched a shutout.
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