Baker Mayfield is as happy as anyone could be for the success of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running backs.
For the second straight game, the Buccaneers rode Bucky Irving's (27 carries, 170 yards, one touchdown) and Kenneth Gainwell's (25 carries, 140 yards) performances to victory, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 16-0. In the process, they set the franchise record for rushing yards in a single game (324 yards).
It was a week after they throttled the Carolina Panthers, 43-13, behind Irving's 106 yards, Gainwell's 88 yards, and Sean Tucker's 52 yards.
Mayfield didn't have to do anything as he actually had zero completions on three pass attempts. The Buccaneers became the first team since 1974 to win a game without completing a single pass. This comes
a week after Mayfield went just 7-for-11 for 64 passing yards in the win over the Panthers.
Following the game, Mayfield gave the ultimate praise to his running back duo.
"Rushing record in a single game for the Bucs franchise, I mean that's incredible," said Mayfield. "So to do that, like I said earlier, the team knows that you're going to be running the ball, that's imposing your will on somebody, and that's awesome to see. Happy for those guys. Two weeks in a row of big-time ball."
The Buccaneers are suddenly finding their formula for success: dominating in the trenches and winning with a stout defense. The defense also forced four interceptions off Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
"I think both those guys, him and Kenny, were extremely patient today," said Mayfield of Irving and Gainwell. "Seeing and trusting their tracks, being where they're supposed to be at, but then if it's not there, being patient and not trying to cut it back every single time. Trusting these guys to continue to move the line of scrimmage and move those guys up front. So they did an incredible job today. They're continuing to see the fruits of the labor."
Mayfield returned last week after a three-game absence due to a thumb injury. Ironically, the Buccaneers haven't relied on Mayfield at all as they've dominated their top two threats in the division over the past couple of weeks.
The Buccaneers are now 3-5 and only a half game behind the Panthers for the division lead. They'll look to keep the momentum going when they take on the Chicago Bears next week in a Week 9 Sunday Night Football matchup.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Baker Mayfield on Buccaneers setting franchise single game record for rushing yards
