The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came together as a team on Sunday to pull off one of the ugliest victories you’ve ever seen in the modern NFL. The wind was blowing and the rain was falling in torrents.
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The Bucs offense decided to stay on the ground and take its chances in the mud rather than air it out in a downpour. The approach was crowned with success. It was also a historic moment for the franchise.
Jessie Bates III of the Atlanta Falcons takes the ball away from Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, resulting in a touchback during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on November 1, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. (Getty Images)
They set a new franchise single-game record with 324 rushing yards. Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell each ran for over 140 yards. Baker Mayfield’s role was to pass the ball.
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He didn’t complete a single pass in just three attempts in the 16-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons. A feat that hasn’t happened since the Buffalo Bills did it in 1974.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is introduced before the regular season game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 1, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
The Falcons took their chances passing and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was only able to complete 8 of 24 attempts for 125 yards. The Bucs defense spotted him four times while keeping Atlanta out of the end zone.
It was an all-around performance from the Bucs that extended to the sideline where the cheerleaders didn’t let the rain slow them down. They didn’t look for rain gear.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders performed in the rain and mud like the rest of the team. Unlike the offensive, they were also capable of doing this by air.
This is called staying together as a team. They could have taken cover, but they had a job to do. They held on, fought the elements and helped secure an ugly and well-deserved victory at home.
It’s easy to get on the field when the weather is nice and 85 in Tampa. It’s much more difficult to do it in the middle of a downpour.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 7, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. (Getty Images)
But they didn’t hesitate on Sunday and won their second straight game.
After a 1-5 start, the Bucs are suddenly 3-5 with back-to-back wins against division opponents and are one game out of first place in the loss column.
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