Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers Defeat Falcons Without Completing a Pass

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield returned to the field to lead his team to a 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Playing through a driving rain and muddy conditions, Mayfield achieved a rare piece of NFL history by winning the game without completing a single pass.

According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers became the first NFL team to win a game without a completed pass since the 1974 Buffalo Bills accomplished the same feat against the New York Jets. Mayfield finished the afternoon 0-for-3 passing for zero yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

The severe weather at Raymond James Stadium severely limited passing games for both teams. Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. struggled through the wet conditions as well, throwing four interceptions in the first half alone as the Falcons failed to generate any offensive momentum.

Rather than forcing the ball through the air, Tampa Bay relied completely on a dominant ground attack. The Buccaneers set a team record for rushing yards in a single game with a staggering 324 yards on the ground, led by running back Bucky Irving, who tallied 170 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, alongside Kenny Gainwell, who added 140 yards on 25 carries.

Mayfield did contribute to the rushing effort with four carries for 14 yards, but spent most of the afternoon handing the ball off as his team ran the ball 56 times. The strategy proved more than enough to secure the shutout victory and bring both NFC South rivals to an identical 3-5 record.

Mayfield recently returned to action in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers following a three-game absence due to a broken thumb. After completing seven of 11 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown in his return, his Week 8 performance required virtually no passing production at all as the rushing game completely took over the contest.