Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defeat Atlanta Falcons With Zero Passing Yards

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium without completing a single pass, matching a rare feat not seen in the National Football League in decades.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted 3 passes and completed zero, finishing with negative two passing yards after a sack. According to CBS Sports, the team generated 324 rushing yards to carry the offense through heavy rain.

Running back Bucky Irving rushed for 170 yards and 1 touchdown on 27 carries, while Kenneth Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 attempts. Chase McLaughlin contributed 3 field goals to secure the 16-point victory.

The win improved the Buccaneers to a 3-5 record and kept them tied with the Falcons in the NFC South. Both teams trail the first-place Carolina Panthers at the midpoint of the season.

Weather conditions and Mayfield's healing right thumb limited the team to just three pass attempts all afternoon. Mayfield had recently returned from a three-game absence due to a thumb dislocation.

The performance marked the first time an NFL team won a game without a completion since the Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets on Sept. 29, 1974.

Irving and Gainwell became the first teammate duo in league history to each record at least 25 carries and 125 rushing yards in the same game, according to CBS Sports.

Tampa Bay's defense stifled Atlanta by intercepting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. 4 times. Penix completed 8 of 24 pass attempts for 125 yards.

Following the victory, Mayfield addressed his unusual statistics in wet conditions.

"I'll do whatever it takes to win," said Baker Mayfield, the Tampa Bay quarterback. "That's all that matters to me."

The Times of India reported that Irving broke away for a 46-yard run during the game's lone touchdown drive before scoring on a 4-yard run in the third quarter.

The Times of India reported that the two teams combined for only 8 completions, marking the fewest in a game since December 17, 1978.

The Buccaneers will look to continue their run-heavy approach as they navigate the remainder of the regular season schedule.