The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushed for 258 yards in Sunday's 43-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers, but ESPN's tracking data shows just how much of that production started with the offensive line.
According to ESPN Insights, Tampa Bay gained 171 rushing yards before contact, the highest single-game total by any NFL team this season. The Buccaneers also called designed runs on 81% of their offensive plays, finishing with 49 rushing attempts and three touchdowns.
That means approximately 66% of Tampa Bay's rushing yards came before defenders made contact with the ball carrier. The offensive line consistently created running lanes, allowing Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, and Sean Tucker to build momentum before they met Carolina's defense.
Irving
finished with 106 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, while Gainwell added 88 yards on 14 attempts. Tucker contributed 52 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The three running backs combined for 246 rushing yards and all three of Tampa Bay's rushing touchdowns.
The blocking also helped the Buccaneers produce 17 rushing first downs, the third-most allowed in a single game in Panthers franchise history. Tampa Bay's 49 rushing attempts tied the most Carolina has ever surrendered in a game, a mark previously set against San Francisco in 1997.
Offensive coordinator Zach Robinson deserves credit for recognizing the advantage and continuing to exploit it. With Baker Mayfield returning from a thumb injury and right tackle Luke Goedeke sidelined, Tampa Bay had little reason to force the pass. Mayfield attempted just 11 passes and avoided a sack.
The performance doesn't mean Tampa Bay's offensive-line problems have disappeared. Carolina struggled to defend the run, and the Buccaneers will face tougher defensive fronts moving forward. However, generating 171 yards before contact shows how effectively the offensive line executed Sunday, giving Tampa Bay a foundation to build on heading into its Week 8 matchup against Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: ESPN tracking highlights Buccaneers' dominant offensive line
