NFL · Final Recap
Tampa Bay’s Ground Game Slams Atlanta Into a 16-0 Shutout
November 1, 2026 · 8:55 PM
Bucky Irving’s 170-yard touchdown night and Tampa Bay’s suffocating defense powered a shutout win over Atlanta.
Tampa Bay’s three field goals and Bucky Irving’s third-quarter touchdown powered a 16-0 shutout of Atlanta. Irving rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Kenny Gainwell piled up 140 rushing yards. Tampa ran 56 times for 324 rushing yards, averaging 5.8 per carry; Atlanta had 99 rushing yards on 28 attempts at 3.5 per carry. The Buccaneers also won first downs 16-8 and possession 35:16 to 24:44, while converting 4 of 13 third downs against Atlanta’s 0 of 12. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 8-of-24 for 125 passing yards, added 11 rushing yards, and threw four interceptions without a touchdown. Jahan Dotson caught two passes for 95 yards, but Atlanta finished with 224 total yards and no red-zone scores on its lone attempt. Baker Mayfield had 0 completions on 3 attempts for 0 passing yards, plus 14 rushing yards, while Tampa lost one fumble and threw no interceptions. Tampa recorded one sack; Atlanta had none.
Key Performers
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay: 170 rushing yards, 1 touchdown. Kenny Gainwell, Tampa Bay: 140 rushing yards. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta: 8-of-24 passing, 125 passing yards, 11 rushing yards, 4 interceptions.
Standings Impact
Tampa Bay improves from 2-5 to 3-5, while Atlanta falls from 3-4 to 3-5.
DYMA Insight
Tampa Bay entered ranked 16th in the power index with a 56.9 score, ahead of Atlanta at No. 19 and 51.4. The decisive edge was on the ground and on third down: Tampa rushed for 324 yards and converted four third downs, while Atlanta went 0-for-12.