Bucs Post Zero Completions, Set Franchise Rush Record in Rain

Baker Mayfield attempted three passes and completed none during Tampa Bay’s 16-0 victory over Atlanta on Sunday. The Buccaneers emerged as the first team to finish a game with zero completions since Buffalo on Sept. 29, 1974. The result came despite rainy conditions that made the field slick for the visitors.

The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage against the fourth-ranked run defense in the league. Bucky Irving rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 attempts. Their combined effort set a franchise record with 324 total rushing yards.

This performance capped a volatile stretch for the team. The Buccaneers began the season 0-4, a period marked by struggles for the offensive line. Since that start, the unit has anchored a 3-1 run over the last four weeks. In their three wins, Tampa Bay has averaged 274.3 rushing yards per game.

Mayfield, who signed a three-year, $165 million extension before the season, has managed to contribute even while recovering from a fractured thumb. He missed three games before returning last week. In that prior matchup against Carolina, he completed 7 of 11 passes for 64 yards in a 43-13 win. On Sunday, his role was limited to handoffs as the line opened lanes.

Tristan Wirfs, a two-time All-Pro tackle, praised the physical nature of the performance. He described the team as gritty and grimey, noting that the effort was a true reflection of their identity this year. Right tackle Luke Goedeke expressed a preference for the running style, stating that the line enjoys the challenge of showcasing their blocking abilities when not chasing the ball.

Tampa Bay was one of four teams that rushed for at least 200 yards in Week 8. Those four teams finished with a 4-0 record for the day. Detroit defeated Minnesota 19-15 with 230 rushing yards. Arizona beat Dallas 33-30 in overtime with 202 yards on the ground. Pittsburgh routed Cleveland 27-6 with 200 rushing yards.

Six players across the league accumulated 140 or more rushing yards in a single day. This occurrence had not happened on the same day since 2003. The Lions’ Jared Goff added 176 rushing yards in Detroit’s win over the Vikings, while the Cardinals’ Tyler Allgeier carried 147 yards against Dallas.

The league has shifted toward high-value passing offenses in recent years. However, Week 8 demonstrated that controlling the line of scrimmage remains a viable path to victory. The success of these four teams underscores the continued effectiveness of traditional ground attacks in modern football.