Playing in a driving rainstorm at Raymond James Stadium on November 1, 2026, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 without completing a single pass, marking the first time an NFL team won a game with zero completions since 1974.
Raymond James Stadium Rain and a Ground Attack Make NFL History
The afternoon conditions in Tampa were thoroughly soaked, turning the divisional matchup into a sloppy defensive contest. Quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted just three passes across the entire game, finishing 0-of-3 with zero passing yards and four rushes for 14 yards as the Buccaneers relied entirely on their running game. That minimalist aerial approach made Tampa Bay the first team to win a contest with zero completions since the Buffalo Bills accomplished the feat against the New York Jets on September 29, 1974.
While the weather played a major role in the offensive philosophy, head coach Todd Bowles and his staff leaned heavily on a backfield tandem that simply wore down the Atlanta defense. Running back Bucky Irving delivered a career performance, carrying the ball 27 times for 170 yards and a touchdown. He was matched step-for-step by Kenny Gainwell, who added 140 yards on 25 carries in a wet, sloppy field.
The sheer volume of ground production set a team record for yards rushing in a game with 324, comfortably eclipsing their previous high of 283 yards set against Philadelphia in November 2015. Moreover, ESPN Research noted that prior to Sunday, no game in NFL history had ever featured two teammates recording at least 25 rushing attempts and 125 rushing yards in the same outing.
Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Offense Struggle Under Pressure
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Atlanta’s offense found no traction against a relentless Tampa Bay defense. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. endured a difficult afternoon in the elements, completing 8 of 24 passes for 125 yards while throwing four interceptions. Three of those picks came in a dismal first quarter that set a tone of frustration for the visitors.
The conditions are what the conditions are,” Penix said after the game. “Both teams had to play in it. … As the quarterback, the leader, I’ve got to protect the ball. We’ve got to shake that.
The Falcons managed just 224 total net yards and went 0-for-12 on third down as Todd Bowles deployed a scheme that continually flustered the quarterback. Linebacker Alex Anzalone hauled in two crucial interceptions, while defensive backs Jacob Parrish and Zyon McCollum also contributed to the takeaway barrage that kept Atlanta off the scoreboard entirely.
Chase McLaughlin Field Goals and Irving TD Seal the 16-0 Outcome
Tampa Bay capitalized on the early turnovers to build a steady lead without needing to push the ball downfield. Kicker Chase McLaughlin remained perfect on the season by drilling three field goals, connecting from 34, 42, and an earlier distance while keeping his 19-of-19 record intact.
The game remained within reach for Atlanta until the third quarter, when Irving powered through contact for a 4-yard touchdown run that gave the Buccaneers a 16-0 lead and effectively put the contest out of reach.
Tight NFC South Division Race After Week 8
The shutout victory dramatically alters the landscape of the division. The Bucs have won three of four since an 0-4 start, pulling to a 3-5 record. Carolina (3-4) remains a half-game ahead in the NFC South.
Both squads face quick turnarounds as the grueling second half of the season approaches. The Buccaneers will hit the road for a primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears next Sunday night, while the Falcons head overseas to Madrid to face the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL’s second regular-season game in Spain next Sunday.
