Buccaneers make NFL history, first team since 1974 to win without completing a pass

Buccaneers create NFL history, first team since 1974 to win without completing a pass.

Key points

• At the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' victory celebration after their 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, they are going to party like it's 1974.
• Baker Mayfield reacts after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shut out the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 without completing a single pass in NFL Week 8.
• The Buccaneers became the first team since the 1974 Buffalo Bills and the third team ever to win while completing zero passes.
• A torrential downpour that lasted from kickoff until the final whistle marred the playing conditions at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs' home.

Buccaneers create NFL history, first team since 1974 to win without completing a pass. Chris Bumbaca USA TODAY. Baker Mayfield on Buccaneers' first zero-completion win since 1974.

For context, the Buccaneers became the first team since the 1974 Buffalo Bills and the third team ever to win while completing zero passes.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted just three passes (to three different receivers) and didn't complete any. Mayfield almost completed a deep pass to Ted Hurst, but the rookie wide receiver couldn't hang on to the pass that would have brought the Bucs inside the five-yard line.

"It's winning, " Mayfield remarked to journalists after the game. "That's how I think regarding it. We won."

For context, a torrential downpour that lasted from kickoff until the final whistle marred the playing conditions at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs' home. Puddles soaked midfield. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Struggled mightily, with eight completions on 24 attempts for 125 yards – and four interceptions. Mayfield (39.6) had a higher passer rating than Penix (0.0).

Tampa Bay had little trouble running the ball, nevertheless. While Mayfield contributed 14 on four attempts, running backs Bucky Irving (170 yards) and Kenneth Gainwell (110 yards) combined for 310 rushing yards. While Tampa Bay controlled the ball for 35: 16, irving scored the game's lone touchdown (a four-yard run).

"Getting guys lined up, making sure we're running the right run plays, " Mayfield remarked of his responsibilities Sunday. Mayfield continued that the Bucs ran primarily out of shotgun and pistol as under-center snaps were too slippery in the wet conditions.

"Try to bleed as much clock as possible, get everybody on the same page, and go from there, " Mayfield remarked. "I'll do whatever it takes to win." Atlanta was 0-for-12 on third downs. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around buccaneers make NFL history, first team since 1974 to win without completing point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.