Overview
- Tampa Bay recorded the first NFL victory without a completed pass since 1974, relying almost entirely on rushing and defensive takeaways to beat Atlanta.
- Running backs Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell carried the offense, with Irving rushing for 170 yards and the lone touchdown and Gainwell finishing with a career-high 140 yards.
- The defense intercepted Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. four times, including two picks by Alex Anzalone, and the unit’s strong run defense and recent sack surge have flipped the team’s fortunes.
- Consecutive wins have moved the Buccaneers to within a half-game of first place in the NFC South and restored talk of them as division favorites.
- Sustainability is the key question: Baker Mayfield’s passing remains inadequate and the coming road game at Chicago will test whether Tampa Bay can win when it must rely on the pass.