The Tampa Bay Buccaneers produced one of the NFL’s most unusual wins by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 without completing a pass. Baker Mayfield attempted three throws but finished with zero completions, as Tampa Bay relied almost entirely on its running game in heavy rain.
The result was the first NFL game without a passing offense since the Buffalo Bills beat the New York Jets 16-12 on September 29, 1974. Mayfield, a former No 1 overall pick, has previously demonstrated his ability as a passer, including a 2024 season in which he threw for 41 touchdowns and 4,500 yards. Against Atlanta, however, his main contribution came through blocking for the runners.
Bucky Irving led Tampa Bay with 170 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Kenneth Gainwell added 140 yards. Together, they carried the ball 52 times for 324 yards, setting a franchise record for rushing yards in a single game. Chase McLaughlin also made three field goals.
Atlanta struggled throughout the game. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr completed 8 of 24 passes and threw four interceptions. The wet and slippery conditions contributed to the difficult afternoon, but they did not prevent Tampa Bay from controlling the ground game.
Mayfield said that, if he was not going to throw, he had to find another way to become active. Tampa Bay’s approach ultimately proved effective, although the game offered little of the passing-driven action normally associated with the modern NFL.
Joe Burrow was named the week’s most valuable player after throwing five touchdown passes, running for another and producing 462 passing yards in Cincinnati’s 43-36 overtime victory over Tennessee. He also threw three interceptions, but led the Bengals back from a 13-point deficit as Cincinnati made its best start since the 2021 season.
The Chiefs and Broncos also produced a dramatic finish. Kansas City trailed 28-24 and reached Denver’s four-yard line with 35 seconds remaining, but the Broncos held firm. A penalty after what the Chiefs believed was a winning touchdown forced Kansas City to score on the final play, and Denver prevented the comeback.
Josh Allen set a Buffalo record by reaching 259 combined regular-season and playoff touchdown passes. His two touchdown passes against Baltimore moved him past Bills legend Jim Kelly, while Buffalo improved to 6-1, the best record in the AFC. The game was overshadowed by a thumb injury to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson that could end his season.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.