Buccaneers Set Franchise Rushing Record in 16-0 Shutout of Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win a game without completing a single forward pass.

Tampa Bay defeated the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 on Sunday in driving rain, capping a performance that set a franchise record for total rushing yards. The Buccaneers accumulated 324 yards on the ground, surpassing their previous mark of 283 set in 2015. No team had failed to complete a pass in a victory since the Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets in 1974.

Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell carried the offense. Irving rushed for 170 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries. Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 carries. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, returning from a fractured thumb, attempted three passes and completed none. He scrambled for 13 yards but relied heavily on his running backs to move the chains.

Kicker Chase McLaughlin provided the points, making three field goals from 46, 34, and 42 yards. His season record stands at 19 for 19. The Falcons, also 3-5, struggled on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in 24 attempts and completed eight passes for 125 yards. Running back Bijan Robinson was limited to 76 yards on 19 carries.

The game featured several defensive plays. Tampa Bay defensive back Alex Anzalone intercepted Penix twice. Jacob Parrish also picked off a fourth-down pass from Penix. The Buccaneers missed a chance to extend their lead after Irving fumbled out of the end zone for a touchback following a forced fumble by Jessie Bates III.

Injuries affected both rosters. Falcons wide receiver Zacchariah Branch and defensive end Samson Ebukam left with hamstring injuries. Buccaneers outside linebacker Yaya Diaby exited in the first quarter with a knee injury. The Buccaneers have won three of their last four games after starting the season 0-4. They are now a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South.

The Falcons travel to Madrid next Sunday to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Spain. The Buccaneers host the Chicago Bears in a primetime game on Sunday night.