The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did something Sunday that no NFL team has done in 68 years, beating the Carolina Panthers 43-13 despite finishing with just 64 passing yards.
According to QBgami, Tampa Bay became just the third team in NFL history to win a road game by at least 30 points while recording 65 or fewer passing yards. The last team to do so was the New York Giants, who beat the Chicago Cardinals on September 28, 1958. The Giants also did it against the Baltimore Colts on November 19, 1950.
Baker Mayfield completed seven of 11 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in his first appearance since suffering a dislocated right thumb in Week 3. According to the Buccaneers' official statistical recap, his 11 attempts were the third-fewest in a single
game in franchise history. The only two games with fewer attempts came in 1977 against New Orleans and 1979 against Green Bay, when Tampa Bay attempted 10 passes in each contest.
The Buccaneers built their offense around the running game, finishing with 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 49 carries. Bucky Irving led the team with 106 yards and two touchdowns on 24 attempts, while Kenny Gainwell added 88 yards on 14 carries. Sean Tucker contributed a 46-yard touchdown run as Tampa Bay averaged 5.3 yards per carry. The 258 rushing yards were the fourth-most in a single game in franchise history.
Tampa Bay's defense also played a significant role in producing the 30-point margin. The Buccaneers recorded five sacks, forced four turnovers, and generated 20 points off turnovers. Calijah Kancey returned a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown after Al-Quadin Muhammad stripped Bryce Young, while Tykee Smith blocked an extra-point attempt that Zyon McCollum returned for two points.
The Buccaneers finished with 322 total offensive yards and controlled possession for 35 minutes and 57 seconds. Their rushing attack accounted for more than 80% of their offensive yardage, while the defense and special teams helped create scoring opportunities without requiring sustained passing drives.
Tampa Bay's 64 passing yards would normally suggest an offense struggling to move the football. Against Carolina, the Buccaneers instead controlled the line of scrimmage, scored three rushing touchdowns, and built a 33-6 halftime lead. Mayfield's limited passing production was not an obstacle Tampa Bay had to overcome. The running game and defensive performance allowed the Buccaneers to win comfortably without relying on their quarterback to carry the offense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers accomplish rare NFL feat not seen in 68 years
