Buccaneers make NFL history, first team since 1974 to win without completing a pass - USA Today
At the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' victory celebration following their 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, they are going to party like it's 1974.
The Buccaneers became the first team since the 1974 Buffalo Bills and the third team ever to win while completing zero passes.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted just three passes (to three different receivers) and didn't complete any. Mayfield nearly completed a deep pass to Ted Hurst, but the rookie wide receiver couldn't hang on to the pass that would have brought the Bucs inside the five-yard line.
"It's winning," Mayfield told reporters after the game. "That's how I think about it. We won."
A torrential downpour that lasted from kickoff until the final whistle marred the playing conditions at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs' home. Puddles soaked midfield. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. struggled mightily, with eight completions on 24 attempts for 125 yards – and four interceptions. Mayfield (39.6) had a higher passer rating than Penix (0.0).
Tampa Bay had little trouble running the ball, however. Running backs Bucky Irving (170 yards) and Kenneth Gainwell (110 yards) combined for 310 rushing yards, while Mayfield contributed 14 on four attempts. Irving scored the game's lone touchdown (a four-yard run), while Tampa Bay controlled the ball for 35:16.
"Getting guys lined up, making sure we're running the right run plays," Mayfield said of his responsibilities Sunday. Mayfield added that the Bucs ran primarily out of shotgun and pistol because under-center snaps were too slippery in the wet conditions.
"Try to bleed as much clock as possible, get everybody on the same page, and go from there," Mayfield said. "I'll do whatever it takes to win."
Atlanta was 0-for-12 on third downs.
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