The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a must-win game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 and the Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons was even bigger after Tampa Bay took care of business.

Well, the Buccaneers took care of business once again and in dominant fashion, once again. Bucky Irving and the rushing attack, plus a relentless Buccaneers defense paved the way for the team’s second-straight win that put them right back in the NFC South race.

So without further ado, let’s break down the winners and losers from this game.

Winners

1. RB Bucky Irving

Of course, Bucky Irving has to start this list. He had a career day against Atlanta and finished with 27 carries for 170 yards and a touchdown, good for 6.3 yards per carry.

The Buccaneers finished with zero passing yards, so Irving didn’t record anything through the air. Still, it’s clear he is the heart and soul of this offense. The Bucs’ rushing attack is becoming one of the best in the NFL, and Irving is the engine behind it.

2. LB Alex Anzalone

Anzalone has been criticized all year long, and for good reason. However, he had the best game of his Buccaneers career on Sunday. He finished with the third-most tackles on the team and added two crucial interceptions that set the tone for both the Tampa Bay defense and the Falcons offense.

Those interceptions immediately dented Michael Penix Jr.’s confidence, and you could see the quarterback was flustered for the rest of the game. Credit to the veteran linebacker for delivering a big day when he needed it most.

3. Mother Nature

Yes, this is a facetious placement. It’s also true.

The weather severely impacted the entire day and changed how both teams had to approach the game. It was an absolute mess on the field, and at one point it looked like a pigsty because of all the mud and puddles. Still, the Buccaneers found a way to score 16 points while shutting out the Falcons. The best teams find a way to win, and Tampa Bay did just that.

4. K Chase McLaughlin

Speaking of Mother Nature, she didn’t get a victory over the Buccaneers kicker, who’s one of the best in the entire NFL. McLaughlin was perfect, hitting all three of his field goal attempts and his lone extra point.

A couple of those field goals came from beyond 40 yards, too. These weren’t chip shots. The Bucs need to pay McLaughlin now instead of waiting until the offseason, when they could get caught in a bidding war with another team. That’s going to happen if they allow it to.

5. Buccaneers’ run blocking

I had to group this together because it was a true group effort. Once again, the Tampa Bay offensive line was on point. The receivers blocked downfield, and Ted Hurst even blocked a defensive end at one point. The tight ends, Cade Otton, Payton Durham, and Bauer Sharp, all had big days yet again.

The Buccaneers’ rushing attack has found a groove, and running the ball well takes all 11 guys on the field. Even Baker Mayfield joined in on the fun. Let’s hope it carries over in the weeks to come.

6. Todd Bowles

I talked about this coming into the game. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles has been on an absolute heater with his game plans since Week 3, and we saw yet again what he can do when he’s completely dialed in.

Penix was flustered all game long, just like Bryce Young was last week, and the Falcons went 0-for-12 on third down. That simply doesn’t happen. Sure, Tampa Bay gave up some fourth-down conversions here and there. Overall, though, the defense held Atlanta to 224 total net yards and 4.3 yards per play while forcing four takeaways. That’s winning football on the defensive side.

7. CBs Jacob Parrish and Zyon McCollum

Parrish had arguably the best game of his career. He finished with a team-leading seven tackles, an interception, and two or three clutch pass breakups. The biggest ones came in the red zone after Jahan Dotson put some fear into the Bucs with a 76-yard catch-and-run that briefly gave the Falcons some life. The Tampa Bay secondary shut that drive down.

Parrish also made a key tackle for loss that set up a third down Atlanta failed to convert earlier in the game. He was all over the place, and it was awesome to see the second-year corner continue to grow alongside McCollum on the outside.

McCollum also played sticky coverage and came away with his second-straight interception. This duo is becoming one of the league’s best and is the strength of the defense.

Losers

1. Buccaneers’ passing attack

Honestly, this is a little unfair, but the passing attack is the only loser here. I think the Buccaneers would gladly take this loss. Still, it’s hilarious to see Mayfield finish 0-of-3 for zero yards. Nothing came out of the passing game. Absolutely nothing.

The elements definitely played a part and that’s fine, but the passing attack definitely needs to get figured out because while the Buccaneers are an excellent rushing team, they’re going to need the passing attack to come through at some point and that could come as quickly as the Week 9 matchup against the Bears.

Mayfield now has just 14 pass attempts over the last two weeks, which is wild to see. Still, there’s plenty of time to get it figured out, especially with Tampa Bay running the ball this well. The Bucs can continue to lean on the ground game while they sort things out through the air.