Penix throws four picks as Bucs set NFL record in 16-0 win
Tampa Bay became the first team since 1974 to win without completing a pass, while Atlanta's quarterback struggled in a rainy return to his hometown area.
By Madison Darwish ·
Rain fell on Raymond James Stadium on Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons faced a familiar opponent.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 16-0 and set a league record for rushing yards in a victory without a completed pass. The Bucs accumulated 324 yards on the ground, a team high. They became the first NFL team since 1974 to secure a win with zero completed passes. Michael Penix Jr. completed eight of 24 attempts for 125 yards and threw four interceptions. His record 8-24 completion rate left the Falcons stranded in a 3-5 record.
Penix grew up in Dade City, Florida, and played high school football in Tampa. The return to the region complicated an already difficult afternoon. Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers' quarterback, attempted only three passes in the win. Penix's four interceptions exceeded that number. Two of those picks came on his first six throws. Linebacker Alex Anzalone intercepted two of those early passes. Cornerbacks Jacob Parrish and Zyon McCollum picked off the other two. The final turnover occurred in the second half when Atlanta had a chance to score. The ball was snapped in Buccaneers territory, but the drive ended on downs.
The Falcons' offense relied on one major play for most of its production. Jahan Dotson caught a pass and ran it to the Tampa Bay 22-yard line in the fourth quarter. Drake London caught the only other pass of the game on the subsequent play. Penix then threw three consecutive incomplete passes from the 14-yard line. The Falcons turned the ball over on downs. The team had a chance to move into first place in the NFC South but remained in a tie with the Buccaneers.
Penix spoke after the game about the difficulty of playing in front of family. He said he had never played so poorly in his life. He noted that the conditions were the same for both teams. He emphasized that he must protect the ball to win games. Penix has started three games this season and went 3-3 before Sunday. He threw nine touchdown passes and one interception in those previous starts. One week earlier, he threw for three touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers without a pick. He vowed to keep working to improve his performance.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said he had no concerns about Penix moving forward. Stefanski declined to blame the heavy rain for the loss. He stated that the team could do a better job. He said Penix could do a better job. He said he could do a better job. The Falcons travel to Cincinnati to play in Madrid next Sunday.
