Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win Without Completing a Pass in Rare NFL Feat
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a surprising victory over the Atlanta Falcons, marking the first time in nearly five decades an NFL team has won a game without completing a single pass.
In a stunning turn of events, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged victorious against the Atlanta Falcons with a score of 16-0, achieving a remarkable milestone in NFL history 123. This win is particularly noteworthy because it marks the first time since 1974 that an NFL team has managed to secure a win without completing a pass 13.
The Buccaneers' triumph was largely due to their impressive rushing performance, with Bucky Irving leading the charge with 170 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries 23. Additionally, Kenneth Gainwell contributed significantly with 140 yards on 25 carries, showcasing the team's dominance on the ground 23. The duo's combined efforts not only propelled the Buccaneers to victory but also made them the first teammates in NFL history to each have 25-plus carries and 125-plus rushing yards in the same game 2.
The game saw the Buccaneers attempt only three passes while running 56 times, setting a new franchise record for rushing yards with 324 and an average of 5.8 yards per rush 1. This strategic approach paid off handsomely, as no team had previously won by double digits without completing a pass since 1945 1. In contrast, Atlanta's quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., struggled with eight completions out of 24 attempts, four interceptions, and one fumble 1.
The match took place at Raymond James Stadium, though there is some discrepancy regarding the weather conditions. While NBC News reported heavy rainfall, CBS Sports did not mention such conditions 13. The game's timing is also subject to debate, with NBC News stating it occurred on Sunday in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, whereas CBS Sports and Fox News suggest otherwise 123.
This victory solidifies the Buccaneers' position within the NFC South division, where they now share third place with the Falcons, both holding a 3-5 record. The Carolina Panthers currently lead the division with a 3-4 record 2.
What We Know
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won against the Atlanta Falcons with a score of 16-0 123
- The last time an NFL team won without completing a pass was in 1974 by the Buffalo Bills 13
- Bucky Irving led with 170 yards rushing and a touchdown on 27 carries 23
- Kenneth Gainwell contributed 140 yards rushing on 25 carries 23
- The Buccaneers attempted only three passes and ran 56 times 1
- Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta's quarterback, completed 8 out of 24 passes, was intercepted four times, and fumbled once 1
- The Buccaneers set a franchise record of 324 rushing yards and an average of 5.8 yards per rush 1
- No team had previously won by double digits without completing a pass since 1945 1
- The NFC South division standings show the Panthers in first place with a 3-4 record, followed closely by the Buccaneers and Falcons at 3-5 each 2
What Remains Unclear
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Verification report
- confirmed
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a game against the Atlanta Falcons without completing a pass.
92% · supported by 3 - confirmed
The final score was Tampa Bay 16, Atlanta Falcons 0.
92% · supported by 3 - likely
The last time an NFL team won without completing a pass was in 1974 by the Buffalo Bills.
84% · supported by 2 - likely
Bucky Irving led with 170 yards rushing and a touchdown on 27 carries.
83% · supported by 2 - likely
Kenneth Gainwell contributed 140 yards rushing on 25 carries.
83% · supported by 2 - likely
Tampa Bay attempted only three passes and ran 56 times.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta's quarterback, completed 8 out of 24 passes, was intercepted four times, and fumbled once.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Tampa Bay achieved a franchise record of 324 rushing yards and an average of 5.8 yards per rush.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
No team had previously won by double digits without completing a pass since 1945.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The match was held at Raymond James Stadium under heavy rainfall conditions.
70% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1 - likely
Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell became the first teammate duo in NFL history to each have 25-plus carries and 125-plus rushing yards in the same game.
70% · supported by 1 - unverified
Baker Mayfield, the quarterback, completed no passes and had three fumbles.
51% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - disputed
The game took place on Sunday in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.
33% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - likely
The NFC South division standings show the Panthers in first place with a 3-4 record, followed closely by the Buccaneers and Falcons at 3-5 each.
70% · supported by 1
Sources & references
- NBC News — An NFL team just won a game without completing a pass. No, seriously.
- CBS Sports — Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers complete win against Falcons with statistics not seen since 1933
- Fox News — Tampa Bay Buccaneers win NFL game without completing a pass, first time that's happened in half a century
