The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have relied heavily on their running game this season, and their offensive production has reached a distinction no other NFL team currently shares.
According to NBC Sports' Michael David Smith
, Tampa Bay is the only team with more rushing yards than net passing yards through nine games. The Buccaneers have accumulated 1,475 rushing yards compared to 1,277 net passing yards, a difference of 198 yards.The last NFL team to finish a season with more rushing yards than passing yards was the 2022 Chicago Bears. That team rushed for 3,014 yards, with quarterback Justin Fields contributing 1,143, while recording 2,219 net passing yards.
Tampa Bay's numbers reflect a season disrupted by injuries and inconsistent quarterback production.
Baker Mayfield missed three games with a right thumb injury, giving undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels an opportunity to start. Even after Mayfield returned, the Buccaneers continued relying on their rushing attack.
Their Week 8 victory over Atlanta provided the clearest example. Playing in heavy rain, Tampa Bay established a franchise record with 324 rushing yards while finishing with minus-2 net passing yards in a 16-0 shutout.
Bucky Irving rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, while Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards on 24 attempts. The two became just the second Buccaneers backfield duo to surpass 100 rushing yards in the same game, joining Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn in 1998.
The running game has been productive, but the imbalance also highlights Tampa Bay's struggles to move the ball through the air. The Buccaneers enter their Week 10 bye at 3-6, with eight games left to improve an offense that has struggled to produce consistently through the air.
For a team still competing in the NFC South, finding more balance could be important over the second half of the season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers are NFL's only team with more rushing than passing yards
