The ground game fueled the Buccaneers' offensive output against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Sean Tucker ignited the attack, transfixing the traveling Bucs' fanatics in attendance at Highmark Stadium. He became the picture of efficiency, contributing 106 rushing yards on 19 carries (5.6 avg.), with two rushing touchdowns. His 106 rushing yards were his second-most in any single game of his career (136 at New Orleans, 10/13/24). Tucker amassed 140 total yards from scrimmage, the second-most in any single game of his career, behind only his 192-yard prolific outing at New Orleans (10/13/24).
Through the air, Tucker finished with two receptions for 34 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown reception. Sunday marked the first game of Tucker's career with multiple rushing touchdowns, his first career three-touchdown performance and his second career 100-yard rushing performance.
Overall, the Bucs rushed for a season high 202 yards – their most since posting that same total in the Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers in 2024. The team's plus-105 rushing margin was also its best since Week 17 of the 2024 season. In the first half alone, Tampa Bay tallied 136 rushing yards, which marked the Buccaneers' most in an opening half since 10/23/16 at San Francisco (143).
In the second quarter, Tucker provided the Bucs with a 17-14 lead on a 43-yard touchdown run. He took the handoff and both Tristan Wirfs and Michael Jordan served as the pullers out in front. Wirfs made a lethal block downfield on Jordan Poyer, pancaking the Bills' safety, sealing off the edge for Tucker to reach the end zone. In the third quarter, Tucker bounced to the outside on a six-yard touchdown run, following Wirfs to the end zone, giving Tampa Bay a 26-21 lead. In the final frame, Tucker slid out of the backfield on a wheel route and Baker Mayfield hit the running back for a 28-yard touchdown, providing the Bucs with their final lead of the game, 32-31.
Tucker, a former undrafted free agent out of Syracuse, produced a captivating performance against the Bills' 30th-ranked run defense entering Week 11. He spurred the ground game on a cold, windy afternoon in western New York. He showcased his contact balance, lateral escape hatch, sharp downhill cuts and patience in letting his blocks develop. Tucker accelerated along the perimeter and showcased his burst getting north after sticking his foot in the ground.
