The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play their 50th season in 2025, extending a rich history that includes two Super Bowl championships, multiple figures inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and countless moments that live on forever in the memory of Buccaneers fans. While the 50th season gives the Buccaneers organization and its fans an opportunity to celebrate all of its significant achievements of the past, it is also an optimistic look forward at what is yet to come for the NFL's 27th franchise.
As the Buccaneers continue to chase championships and set new team records, it will find that the bar has been set very high in many categories. As we prepare for the arrival of Tampa Bay's 50th season, we will be looking at some of the most impressive team and individual achievements over the first 49 years. Today, we remember the best passing games ever produced by Buccaneer quarterbacks.
This one required a little definition, because there are multiple ways to rank a single-game passing performance. For instance, there have been four instances of a Tampa Bay quarterback throwing for more than 450 yards in a game; are those the top four performances? It's worth noting that two of those four outings came in Buccaneer losses. How about touchdown passes? Six different Bucs quarterbacks have produced five-TD games a total of eight times, including three by Tom Brady and one by Baker Mayfield. But that's a tough tie to break when trying to turn eight games into a top-five list. Passer rating is more of an all-inclusive stat, but a little bit flawed.
In the end, we went with passer rating as the starting point, eliminated any outings that came in a loss and then used yards and touchdowns as a tiebreaker to rank the top five. We also chose to include only one performance from each quarterback, or the Bucs' current starter might have shown up two or three times on this list.
View images from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Phase 2 Week 3 Workouts on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Linebacker Anthony Walker #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Inside Linebackers Coach Mike Caldwell of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Eric Banks #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker David Walker #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Line Coach Charlie Strong of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker David Walker #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cleats during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Running Back Josh Williams #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Garrett Greene #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Michael Pratt #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2, Tackle Charlie Heck #77, Tackle Luke Haggard #72, Center Graham Barton #62, Guard Ben Bredeson #68, Tackle Garret Greenfield #74, and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Safety Shilo Sanders #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Top Five Passing Games in Buccaneers History
1. Baker Mayfield, at Green Bay, Dec. 17, 2023
Passer rating: 158.3
Passing yards: 381
Touchdown passes: 4
There have been three instances of a Tampa Bay passer recording a perfect 158.3 passer rating in a game in which he has thrown at least 10 passes, and all three are represented in this top five. Mayfield gets the top spot because of the added level of difficulty: the 2023 Packers were a prime NFC contender and Lambeau Field in December can be quite a challenge (this game was 36-degree wind chill and wins of 10 miles per hour at kickoff). In fact, Mayfield was the first and remains the only visiting passer ever to record a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field.
Mayfield was nearly flawless, completing 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He had a completion percentage of 78.6% and picked up 13.6 yards per attempt despite getting sacked five times. In the process, he became just the third player in league history to have a 158.3 passer rating in a road game in which he threw for at least 375 yards and four touchdowns. The other two were Nick Foles in 2013 and Ken O'Brien in 1986. A rare performance indeed!
2. Brad Johnson, vs. Minnesota, Nov. 3, 2002
Passer rating: 148.3
Passing yards: 313
Touchdown passes: 5
This performance jumps ahead of the other two "perfect games" on the list because of the five touchdowns and zero interceptions. Johnson only missed that 158.3 mark because his yards per attempt weren't quite high enough to get the top score (he would have needed 75 more yards to get there), but this was still a hyper-efficient outing. This was the first time in franchise history that a quarterback had thrown five touchdown passes and no interceptions in a single game.
It also doesn't hurt that this came right in the middle of the season in which the Bucs would eventually chase down a first-round bye and a path to their first Super Bowl championship. It also happened against the team that drafted Johnson in the ninth round in 1992 and gave him 23 starts over five seasons. He completed 24 of his 31 passes and had three touchdowns and a comfortable lead by halftime.
3. Tom Brady, at Detroit, Dec. 26, 2020
Passer rating: 158.3
Passing yards: 348
Touchdown passes: 4
Despite the perfect passer rating, this one doesn't stand at the very top of the list due to contextual reasons. The 2020 Lions were not a good team and they lost six of their last seven while dealing with a long list of injuries and COVID-related absences. The Lions were even without some of their coaches in Week 17 against the visiting Buccaneers. This one was such a one-sided blowout that Brady only played one half before ceding the second half to Blaine Gabbert.
In a way, though, that makes this performance even more impressive. Brady's stat line of 22 completions in 27 attempts for 348 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions looks very much like a full game's worth of production. He likely would not have been throwing very much had he stayed in for the rest of the game. He led the Buccaneers' offense to touchdowns on five of the six drives he directed and repeatedly hit big plays downfield, including touchdowns of 33 yards to Rob Gronkowski and 27 yards to Mike Evans.
4. Craig Erickson, vs. Indianapolis, Sept. 11, 1994
Passer rating: 158.3
Passing yards: 313
Touchdown passes: 3
This is the first "perfect game" by a Buccaneers quarterback in franchise history, and it was just the 17th start of his NFL career. The Bucs were facing a Colts team that had trounced the Houston Oilers the week before, 45-21, to start their season (and one, coincidentally, that Erickson would be traded to the following year). That Erickson put together a 158.3 passer rating 26 years before any other Bucs quarterback could match it makes it deserving of inclusion on the list.
Both Erickson and Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh completed exactly 19 of 24 passes in the game, but that turned into 313 yards and three scores for the Buccaneers' starter and just 206 and zero for Harbaugh. Erickson was also not intercepted or sacked in the game. He threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Charles Wilson and a 48-yarder to tight end Jackie Harris and he went nine-of-10 for 167 yards and two scores in the second half as the Bucs protected a 10-3 halftime lead.
5. Ryan Fitzpatrick, at New Orleans, Sept. 9, 2018
Passer rating: 156.2
Passing yards: 417
Touchdown passes: 4
Fitzpatrick was at his gunslinger best in this one, a wild shootout that produced the most combined points ever in a season-opener. He completed 21 of 28 passes for 417 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions and just missed out on a perfect passer rating by one completion. Had he finished 22 of 28, he would have joined Erickson, Brady and Mayfield in the perfection ranks, but his 417 yards is the most in any performance on this list.
Starting for a suspended Jameis Winston, Fitzpatrick was a big-play machine from the beginning in this one. His second pass of the game, on the Bucs' opening possession, was a 58-yard touchdown connection with DeSean Jackson. He later hit Jackson again on a 36-yard score and Evans on a 50-yard completion to the house. Though it doesn't factor into the passing-performance rankings, Fitzgerald also made key plays with his legs, first a three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and then a 12-yard scramble on third-and-11 at the two-minute warning that ended the Saints' very scary fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
