Buccaneers Win 16-0 Without a Completed Pass in Historic Rain

Key points

• Tampa Bay won 16-0 despite Baker Mayfield going 0-for-3 in passing attempts.
• The game was played in heavy rain, with nearly an inch of rain falling before kickoff.
• Running backs Bucky Irving (170 yards) and Kenny Gainwell (133-140 yards) combined for over 300 rushing yards.
• This is the first time an NFL team has won without a completed pass since the Buffalo Bills in 1974.
• The win improved the Buccaneers to 3-5 and ended a four-game losing streak.

Background

The Buccaneers had relied on a ground-heavy offense in the previous week against Carolina, rushing for 258 yards after Mayfield threw only 11 times due to a thumb injury. The team had started the season 0-4, making this victory crucial for their divisional standing in the NFC South.

How outlets are covering it

SB Nation and NBC News emphasize the historic nature of the win, noting it is the first time a team has won without a completed pass since 1974. The Guardian highlights the contrast between Mayfield's 2024 performance (41 TDs) and his 0-for-3 outing, while also praising the running backs' effort. All sources agree on the impact of the weather, with NBC News noting nearly an inch of rain had fallen before kickoff. The Guardian also mentions that the Buccaneers caught more passes from the Falcons' quarterback (four interceptions) than from their own.

Why it matters

This game highlights the adaptability of the Buccaneers' offense and the impact of weather on NFL strategy. It also underscores the importance of the running game in certain conditions, as the team was able to score 16 points without a single completed pass.

What to watch

The Buccaneers will continue their season, with the Falcons facing the Bengals in Spain next week. The Buccaneers' win keeps them in the NFC South division race, while the Falcons' loss may impact their playoff hopes.