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Buccaneers riding dominant run game to rebound in tight NFC South race

The Buccaneers have clawed back, winning two straight games despite hardly throwing a pass. Bradley Locker breaks down Tampa Bay's dominant rushing attack, featuring superb work after contact and a diverse mix of concepts.

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 10:30 AM
Buccaneers riding dominant run game to rebound in tight NFC South race
Key Things to Know
  • A dominant rushing attack led by Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell has revitalized the Buccaneers' season.
  • Tampa Bay defeated the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 in Week 8 without completing a single pass.
  • The Buccaneers compiled 324 rushing yards against Atlanta and totaled 102 rushing attempts over two consecutive weeks.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have revived their season and climbed to second place in the NFC South behind an exceptionally run-heavy offense. In Week 8, Tampa Bay secured a 16-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons without completing a single pass, relying on 324 rushing yards on 56 carries.

Mark Chichester highlights running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell as central to the surge, noting both rank inside PFF's top 12 rushing grades. However, the analysis questions whether the run-first formula can remain sustainable against upcoming high-powered opponents like the Bears and Lions.

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