Buccaneers’ historic rushing performance left the Falcons in the dust

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers set a new franchise record on Sunday, rushing for 324 yards to cruise past the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 16-0 and climb the NFC South standings.

The dominant ground game allowed the Buccaneers to cruise to victory without needing to complete a single pass. It’s the first time a team has won a game without a completion since 1974, demonstrating what a rare phenomenon took place at Raymond James Stadium in Week 8.

Buccaneers set a new franchise rushing record in 16-0 win over Falcons

Bucky Irving set a new career-high with 170 rushing yards on 27 carries, but he wasn’t the only one to have a career day. Kenny Gainwell rushed for 140 yards on 25 carries to set a new career-high of his own. Irving and Gainwell are quietly emerging as one of the NFL's most dangerous running back duos.

A run game that explosive would have been impressive against any opponent, but it’s even more impressive against a defense as stout as the Falcons’.

Atlanta entered Sunday’s matchup ranked fourth in rushing defense, allowing just 89 yards per game. The Buccaneers obliterated that average before halftime, with Irving surpassing 100 yards in the first half.

The running backs will get all the credit, but it’s the blockers up front that made this historic performance possible. Whether it was the offensive line, tight ends, or even Baker Mayfield getting involved as a lead blocker, it was an all-out team effort that allowed the Buccaneers to run all over the Falcons.

Buccaneers have found their winning formula in the run game 

Tampa Bay now has three wins on the season, and those three victories have one thing in common: success running the football.

The Buccaneers are averaging a whopping 274 rushing yards across their three wins, and they’ve eclipsed at least 240 rushing yards in all three contests.

When the Buccaneers can rely on this elite rushing attack, they’re a difficult team to beat. Tampa Bay has been wearing down opposing defenses, dominating the time of possession, and keeping opposing offenses off the field. It’s a proven winning formula, and they have the personnel to execute it.

The Buccaneers started the season 0-4, but now they’re 3-5 and have a firm understanding of their identity as a football team.

The Buccaneers are back in the NFC South race after defeating the Falcons and Panthers in back to back weeks, and this run game could carry them all the way to a division title.

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