Introduction
The October 21, 2024 matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens was one of the most exciting offensive showcases of the season. Played under the bright lights of Raymond James Stadium, this inter-conference clash saw the Ravens’ explosive offense outduel Tampa Bay’s determined passing attack in a 41-31 thriller.
The highlight of the evening was Lamar Jackson’s near-flawless performance, throwing five touchdowns without a single interception. Despite Tampa Bay piling up yardage through the air, the Ravens’ balance between the run and pass — along with their defensive resilience — ultimately decided the game.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll break down the complete Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats, look at how both teams executed their game plans, and explore what these numbers mean for their upcoming contests.
Game Overview
The matchup began with high anticipation. Tampa Bay entered the game at 4-2, looking to extend their winning streak, while the Ravens stood at 5-1, eager to reinforce their dominance in the AFC North.
From the opening drive, both teams displayed contrasting philosophies. The Buccaneers relied heavily on quarterback Baker Mayfield’s arm, targeting his dynamic duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. On the other hand, the Ravens used a balanced attack, mixing designed runs for Lamar Jackson with quick passes to Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman.
By halftime, Baltimore held a slim 24-17 lead. The momentum, however, shifted firmly in their favor during the third quarter, as Jackson’s efficiency and the Ravens’ ground game overwhelmed Tampa Bay’s defense. Despite a late surge by Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense, Baltimore’s composure in critical moments sealed their 41-31 victory.
Team Performance Summary
The team statistics reveal how both sides excelled in different areas but differed in execution when it mattered most. The Ravens posted 508 total yards of offense, while the Buccaneers weren’t far behind with 481 yards.
Baltimore gained 264 yards through the air and 244 on the ground, showcasing the type of offensive balance coaches dream about. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, dominated in passing yards with 356, but their rushing total of 125 yards limited their versatility.
Possession time was evenly split, yet the Ravens capitalized better in the red zone. Baltimore converted nearly every red-zone trip into touchdowns, while Tampa Bay had to settle for field goals on two of their scoring drives. In tight games, that efficiency gap is often decisive.
Lamar Jackson’s Commanding Performance
Lamar Jackson delivered one of his finest games of the season. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 281 yards and five touchdowns, producing a stunning passer rating of 155.1.
What made Jackson’s outing extraordinary was not just the touchdowns, but his decision-making. He recognized coverages quickly, adjusted to blitzes, and avoided risky throws. The Buccaneers attempted to contain him with a spy linebacker, but Jackson’s pocket patience and timing passes neutralized that strategy.
His connection with Mark Andrews was particularly sharp. Two of Jackson’s touchdown passes went to his star tight end, including a perfectly placed seam route over double coverage. Every drive he led seemed calculated, methodical, and explosive all at once — the kind of rhythm that makes the Ravens almost impossible to defend.
Ravens’ Rushing Power
While Jackson’s arm grabbed the headlines, Baltimore’s ground attack quietly controlled the pace. The Ravens amassed 244 rushing yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry.
Running back Gus Edwards carried 14 times for 118 yards and a touchdown. His physical running style consistently broke tackles and moved the chains. Justice Hill added another 72 yards on just 8 carries, keeping Tampa’s defense guessing.
The offensive line deserves credit too. The combination of Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum provided textbook run blocking, opening wide lanes for the backs and giving Jackson clean escape routes. That dominance at the line of scrimmage allowed Baltimore to dictate tempo and keep Tampa’s defense on the field longer than desired.
Mark Andrews and the Receiving Core
Tight end Mark Andrews was a nightmare matchup for Tampa Bay’s linebackers. He finished with 7 receptions for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving once again why he’s among the league’s elite. His ability to find soft zones and exploit mismatches made life easier for Jackson, especially on third downs.
Rashod Bateman complemented Andrews beautifully. He hauled in 4 passes for 121 yards, including a crucial 45-yard touchdown that extended the Ravens’ lead. His speed on crossing routes and knack for gaining yards after the catch turned short passes into big plays.
Zay Flowers also contributed with 3 catches for 45 yards, showing promise as a developing deep-threat option in the Ravens’ offense. With this level of production across multiple receivers, Baltimore’s passing attack looked well-rounded and nearly unstoppable.
Baltimore’s Defensive Highlights
Although the scoreline suggests an offensive duel, Baltimore’s defense made timely plays that defined the outcome. Safety Kyle Hamilton intercepted a Mayfield pass early in the third quarter, halting a promising Buccaneers drive. Linebacker Patrick Queen recorded 9 tackles and a crucial sack, while defensive end Jadeveon Clowney disrupted the pocket repeatedly.
The Ravens’ secondary, led by Marlon Humphrey, kept pressure on Tampa’s receivers despite the heavy passing volume. While Mayfield posted high yardage, many completions came underneath, forcing the Buccaneers into long drives rather than quick strikes. That defensive discipline — bend but don’t break — preserved Baltimore’s advantage when it mattered.
Baker Mayfield’s Performance
On the opposing side, Baker Mayfield fought valiantly to keep his team competitive. He completed 31 of 45 passes for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns, but his two interceptions proved costly.
Mayfield began the game strong, connecting with Mike Evans for a 25-yard touchdown on Tampa’s opening drive. However, Baltimore’s defense adjusted quickly, disguising coverages that baited him into throwing late across the middle. His second interception came on a miscommunication with Chris Godwin, turning potential points into a momentum-swinging turnover.
Despite those errors, Mayfield’s grit and composure were commendable. He took several hits from the Ravens’ pass rush but continued to move the ball effectively. His chemistry with Evans and tight end Cade Otton gave the Buccaneers hope deep into the fourth quarter.
Mike Evans: Milestone and Setback
Mike Evans reached a personal milestone in this game — catching his 100th career touchdown pass on that opening drive. The veteran receiver remains one of the league’s most consistent deep threats, using his frame and timing to dominate contested catches.
Unfortunately, his night was cut short by a hamstring strain in the second quarter. Before leaving the field, Evans had 6 receptions for 92 yards and 1 touchdown. His absence forced Tampa Bay to rely more heavily on Godwin and rookie Trey Palmer.
Evans’ injury not only affected Tampa’s vertical game but also their spacing. Without his ability to stretch the field, the Ravens could collapse zones and blitz more aggressively, disrupting Mayfield’s rhythm.
Chris Godwin’s Effort and Injury Impact
Chris Godwin played through early discomfort but still managed 8 receptions for 105 yards, showcasing his toughness and route precision. He was the go-to option in the short-to-intermediate range, converting several third-down situations into firsts.
However, late in the third quarter, he suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the rest of the contest. That moment significantly reduced Tampa’s offensive firepower. Losing both Evans and Godwin within the same game forced the Buccaneers to abandon several deep-shot plays and rely on quick check-downs.
These injuries highlight the depth challenges Tampa Bay faces. Their offensive scheme relies heavily on receiver timing and chemistry, and losing both top targets mid-game was an obstacle too large to overcome.
Tampa Bay’s Rushing Game Struggles
Tampa’s ground game never found its rhythm. Running back Rachaad White totaled 78 yards on 17 carries, while backup Chase Edmonds contributed only 28 yards. The Buccaneers averaged just over 4 yards per carry, which isn’t poor on paper but lacked consistency.
Too often, early-down runs yielded minimal gains, putting the offense in second-and-long situations. This forced Mayfield to pass more frequently, playing into Baltimore’s hands. The Ravens’ front seven thrived under those conditions, using aggressive blitz packages to pressure Mayfield and contain outside runs.
The Buccaneers’ inability to establish the run was perhaps the biggest factor behind their defeat. Without a balanced attack, even a strong passing performance couldn’t tilt the result in their favor.
Defensive Challenges for Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay’s defense entered the game ranked among the league’s top-10 against the run. However, Baltimore’s misdirection plays and read-option formations kept them guessing. Linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David were caught out of position multiple times, allowing big runs through the interior.
The Buccaneers also struggled with tackling fundamentals. Missed tackles turned moderate gains into explosive plays. Defensive end Shaquil Barrett and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. recorded sacks, but the overall containment of Lamar Jackson was inconsistent.
On passing downs, the secondary’s zone coverage left gaps that Jackson and Andrews exploited. Even when Tampa blitzed, Jackson responded with quick throws, neutralizing their pressure. The defensive unit, usually a strength, found itself unable to adjust against Baltimore’s balanced tempo.
Key Turning Points in the Game
Several moments defined the momentum swings of this matchup.
The first came midway through the second quarter when Lamar Jackson converted a third-and-13 by scrambling and finding Andrews for a 32-yard touchdown. That drive showcased Baltimore’s adaptability.
The second turning point occurred early in the third quarter when Kyle Hamilton intercepted Mayfield’s pass deep in Buccaneers territory. Within two plays, Jackson threw his fourth touchdown, giving Baltimore a double-digit lead that they never relinquished.
A final dagger arrived late in the fourth quarter. With Tampa trailing 34-31 and driving toward midfield, Gus Edwards broke loose for a 60-yard rushing touchdown. That run sealed the Ravens’ 41-31 victory and silenced the home crowd.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| Total Yards | 481 | 508 |
| Passing Yards | 356 | 264 |
| Rushing Yards | 125 | 244 |
| First Downs | 28 | 22 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 11/17 | 3/8 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 30:42 | 29:18 |
| Red Zone Conversions | 3/5 | 5/5 |
These numbers tell a clear story. Tampa Bay moved the ball but faltered in critical efficiency metrics, while Baltimore capitalized on nearly every scoring chance.
Red-zone execution, turnover margin, and rushing balance separated the Ravens from the Buccaneers in this tightly contested but statistically lopsided game.
What These Stats Mean for Each Team
For the Baltimore Ravens, this victory reinforced their offensive versatility. Lamar Jackson demonstrated once again that he’s more than a dual-threat quarterback — he’s an elite passer capable of dissecting defenses with poise and precision. Their rushing depth, led by Edwards and Hill, gives them sustainable options heading into the latter half of the season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meanwhile, face clear priorities. Protecting their key receivers and improving the run game must come first. The defense, though physical, needs better gap discipline against mobile quarterbacks. If they address these areas, they remain contenders within the NFC South.
This game served as a microcosm of each team’s identity — the Ravens’ balance versus the Buccaneers’ reliance on aerial strength.
Lessons and Takeaways
- Efficiency beats volume. Yardage alone doesn’t guarantee victory; red-zone performance and turnovers do.
- Balanced offense wins games. Baltimore’s 244 rushing yards opened up the passing attack.
- Injuries can shift outcomes. Losing Evans and Godwin crippled Tampa’s offense.
- Quarterback composure is key. Jackson’s patience versus Mayfield’s forced throws highlights how decision-making impacts results.
- Defense must adapt. Tampa’s inability to adjust to read-option plays proved costly.
Every stat and moment from this game reinforces the timeless football truth: teams that control the line of scrimmage and protect the ball almost always win.
Conclusion
The October 21, 2024 showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens was a thrilling blend of athleticism, strategy, and individual brilliance. The Ravens’ 41-31 victory wasn’t just a result of Lamar Jackson’s five touchdowns — it was a demonstration of teamwork, balance, and execution under pressure.
Tampa Bay’s resilience and passing fireworks kept them competitive, but injuries and turnovers proved decisive. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s adaptability, rushing dominance, and composure showed why they’re among the NFL’s most complete teams.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats offer a compelling story of contrasts — power vs. precision, speed vs. structure, and a masterclass in how numbers reflect strategy. As both teams move forward, these lessons will shape their future encounters.
What did you think of this matchup? Which player impressed you the most? Share your thoughts and predictions for their next meeting in the comments below!
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