Baker Mayfield Produces Unique Passing Output Against Giants

Mayfield is just the third quarterback in NFL history to throw at least 30 passes in a game, with none of them going for touchdowns and still achieve a passer rating of more than 105. Kurt Warner (111.7) did so against the Vikings on December 10, 2000 and Ben Roethlisberger (109.2) did so against the Falcons on December 14, 2014.

Mayfield distributed his 24 completions to 11 different players, including six wide receivers, three running backs and two tight ends. That tied a Buccaneers single-game record and was just the fifth time that 11 different players have caught a pass in one game for the franchise. It was the first time that was accomplished since a 47-7 drubbing of the Detroit Lions on December 26, 2020.

Mayfield did run one in for a touchdown, scoring on a 10-yard scramble in the second quarter that concluded with a bold dive over a defender at the goal line. That was his third rushing touchdown of the season and the 10th of his career. Mayfield is currently the only quarterback in the NFL this season with 20-plus touchdown passes and at least three touchdown runs.

Mayfield has thrown for 24 touchdowns this season, and his 27 combined passing and rushing touchdowns currently ranks second in the NFL.

Most Combined Passing and Rushing Touchdowns, NFL, 2024

1. Joe Burrow, Bengals: 28

2t. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers: 27

2t. Lamar Jackson*, Ravens: 27

4. Jalen Hurts, Eagles: 24

* Jackson and the Ravens play on Monday Night Football in Week 12

Mayfield has now completed 267 of his 374 passes this season for a completion percentage of 71.4. If maintained, that would establish a new career high for him, surpassing the 64.3% completion rate he posted last season in his first year with the Buccaneers. It would also set a new record for the franchise; the Bucs’ current single-season record for completion percentage is held by Brian Griese, who finished at 69.3% in 2004. Mayfield currently ranks third in the NFL in completion percentage.

Highest Completion Percentage, NFL, 2024

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: 73.3%
2. Jared Goff, Lions: 72.9%
3. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers: 71.4%
4. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: 69.8%
5. Jalen Hurts, Eagles: 69.1%

The Buccaneers totaled four rushing touchdowns in the contest, just the third time in team history they have done so in a single game. They also did so in a 38-31 win over the Indianapolis Colts on November 28, 2021 and against the Oakland Raiders on November 4, 2012. In addition to Mayfield’s score, all three of the Bucs running backs found the end zone against the Giants. Sean Tucker scored on a one-yard run on the game’s opening drive; Bucky Irving ran one in from six yards out in the second quarter and Rachaad White took a toss to the house on a one-yard run in the third quarter.

That marked the first time in team history that four different players have scored a rushing touchdown in the same game. The last NFL team to accomplish that feat was the New York Jets on October 9, 2022.

Irving had the longest run of the game, taking a sweep from the two yard line, finding the left edge and then breaking back over the middle of the field for a 56-yard gain, which tied for the Bucs’ longest run this season. Rachaad White also had a 56-yard run at Atlanta on October 3. Irving finished the game with a season-best 151 yards from scrimmage and currently leads the NFL with 831 yards from scrimmage (579 rushing, 252 receiving). Irving leads all rookie running backs this season in yards from scrimmage.

Most Yards from Scrimmage, Rookie Running Backs, NFL, 2024

1. Bucky Irving, Buccaneers: 831
2. Tyrone Tracy, Giants: 732
3. Ray Davis, Bills: 428
4. Braelon Allen, Jets: 310
5. Trey Benson, Cardinals: 289

Tucker’s touchdown came at the end of a game-opening 14-play, 70-yard drive that drained 8:23 off the clock. It was Tampa Bay’s second longest touchdown drive of the season in terms of plays and time, after a 15-play drive that took 8:30 against the Falcons on Oct. 27. White’s touchdown run concluded a 95-yard drive that was the Bucs’ second-longest of the season in terms of yards, following a 97-yard march in that same Atlanta game that also ended in a White touchdown.

That drive was the result of a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Calijah Kancey at the Buccaneers’ five-yard line after linebacker Lavonte David had punched the ball out of Tyrone Tracy’s grasp. That was the 31st forced fumble of David’s career, and he is now tied for second among all active players in that category, just one behind the lead.