Buccaneers win 16-0 with zero completions in rainy Alamo Stadium

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans watched their team win 16-0 on Sunday without a single forward pass completion. The victory over the Atlanta Falcons came on a wet field at Raymond James Stadium, where the rain turned the turf into mud. The result ended a 52-year NFL drought for a team scoring double digits without completing a pass. The last time that happened was in 1945.

The Buccaneers (3-5) rushed for 324 yards, setting a new team record. Baker Mayfield completed 0 of 3 passes. Bucky Irving carried the ball 27 times for 170 yards and a touchdown. Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 carries. Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals to keep his season perfect at 19 for 19. The previous franchise rushing record stood at 283 yards, set in 2015.

Mayfield returned to the lineup after missing three weeks with a fractured thumb. He handed off the ball 52 times. The quarterback scrambled for 13 yards. He blocked a downfield pass by the Falcons. Mayfield said he would do whatever it takes to win. He noted that he and defender Jessie Bates III were playing in mud. Irving said he would go to war with his offensive line any day. The line was led by Tristan Wirfs.

The Falcons (3-5) struggled in the wet conditions. Michael Penix Jr. was 8 for 24 for 125 yards with four interceptions. Bijan Robinson was held to 76 yards on 19 carries. Nick Folk missed a 53-yard field goal wide left on Atlanta's first drive. McLaughlin answered with a 46-yard kick on the next Tampa Bay possession. The Buccaneers extended their lead with field goals of 34 and 42 yards.

The game featured two interceptions by the Buccaneers' defense. Alex Anzalone picked off Penix twice. Jacob Parrish also intercepted a pass on fourth down. The Falcons faced a penalty on Drake London. Irving fumbled out of the end zone after taking a lateral from Mayfield. The fumble was forced by Bates. The Buccaneers settled for field goals on those drives.

The Falcons lost WR Zacchariah Branch and DE Samson Ebukam to hamstring injuries. RB Brian Robinson was inactive with a hamstring issue. For Tampa Bay, OLB Yaya Diaby left with a knee injury. WR Emeka Egbuka was inactive with a foot injury. The Buccaneers have won three of their last four games. They are half a game behind Carolina in the NFC South. The Falcons will travel to Madrid to play the Bengals next Sunday. Tampa Bay hosts the Chicago Bears next Sunday night.