Penix: 4 Pickles for a Dollar! Buccaneers Defense Forces Multiple Turnovers

THE EDGE REPORT | AndActionBTB

Four interceptions. More than 300 rushing yards. Zero completed passes. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 16–0 in a rain-soaked NFC South showdown built on defense, field position and a relentless ground attack.

A punishing early hit on Drake London announced Tampa Bay's physical approach. Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions, including two to Anzalone, as Atlanta repeatedly squandered possession and field position. Tampa Bay built a 9–0 halftime advantage on three field goals.

The Buccaneers missed a touchdown opportunity when Baker Mayfield escaped the pocket and lateraled to Irving, who fumbled near the goal line for a touchback. Tampa Bay's defense ensured the mistake did not shift the game.

Atlanta moved the ball intermittently on the ground, but Tampa Bay stopped a fourth-and-short attempt before halftime. A later Falcons red-zone drive ended in another Penix interception. Even a 76-yard completion after Atlanta started at its own 2-yard line ended without points when the Falcons turned it over on downs.

Tampa Bay established a new franchise single-game rushing record with 324 yards. Bucky Irving rushed for 170 yards and the game's lone touchdown; Kenny Gainwell added 140. Mayfield completed none of his three passes. With Atlanta out of timeouts, Tampa Bay converted a late third-and-1 and knelt out the clock.

For the first time in 52 years, an NFL team won without completing a single pass. On September 29, 1974, the Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets 16–12 despite quarterback Joe Ferguson going 0-for-2. O.J. Simpson rushed for 117 yards in that game. Tampa Bay matched that extraordinary Super Bowl-era distinction: Baker Mayfield went 0-for-3, while the Buccaneers set a franchise record with 324 rushing yards. The 2021 Patriots' famous wind-driven victory over Buffalo featured two completions, for the trivia buffs.

After opening 0–4, Tampa Bay has won three of its last four to improve to 3–5, including a 2–0 record within the NFC South. The defense intercepted Penix four times and held Atlanta to 0-for-12 on third down. The victory also produced Tampa Bay's first back-to-back wins of the season. A divisional shutout provides momentum, but the offense still needs to demonstrate it can move the ball through the air against stronger opposition.

Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3–5) at Chicago Bears — Sunday, November 8, 8:20 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, NBC. Chicago enters the matchup with a 5–2 record before its Monday night game against Seattle. Tampa Bay will need to carry its defensive intensity and rushing efficiency into a prime-time road test, while proving the passing game can rebound in more favorable conditions. The Buccaneers then enter their Week 10 bye.

Four picks for a dollar, zero points allowed, and a rushing attack that dictated the game. The Buccaneers won the turnover battle, controlled the clock, and closed the door when Atlanta had chances to respond. Bucs won the ATS -2 and ML -130, while the total went under 43. VIP tickets cashed 2U -130.

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