Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats faced off in an unforgettable NFL Week 9 matchup on November 4, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This Monday Night Football game was a nail-biter, ending with a 30-24 overtime victory for the Chiefs, who kept their undefeated 8-0 record intact. Fans were treated to standout performances, clutch plays, and a dramatic finish. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, key moments, and what made this game so special. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the action, this breakdown is easy to follow and packed with insights.

Game Overview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats A Super Bowl Rematch with High Stakes

This game wasn’t just another regular-season clash—it felt like a Super Bowl rematch. The Chiefs, two-time defending champions, were looking to stay perfect, while the Buccaneers aimed to hand them their first loss. Played in rainy conditions, the game tested both teams’ resilience. Tampa Bay rallied late to force overtime, but Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and company sealed the deal with a game-winning touchdown drive.

The final score of 30-24 doesn’t tell the whole story. Both teams showcased offensive firepower, defensive grit, and critical third-down conversions. Let’s break down the player stats and highlight the stars who shined brightest.

Key Player Stats: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers were missing key wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin due to injuries, putting extra pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield and the supporting cast. Despite the challenges, Tampa Bay’s offense moved the ball effectively, especially in crucial moments.

Baker Mayfield (Quarterback)

• Passing Yards: 200

• Completions/Attempts: 23/31 (74.2% completion rate)

• Touchdowns: 2

• Passer Rating: 112.3

• Sacks Taken: 1

Mayfield was poised under pressure, leading a clutch 71-yard touchdown drive in the final minute of regulation to tie the game at 24-24. His two touchdown passes went to tight end Cade Otton and wide receiver Ryan Miller. Mayfield’s accuracy and decision-making kept the Bucs in the game, though he didn’t get a chance to touch the ball in overtime after Kansas City won the coin toss.

Rachaad White (Running Back)

• Rushing Yards: 19

• Carries: 3

• Rushing Touchdowns: 1

• Receiving Yards: 6

• Receptions: 2

White, a Kansas City native, made an early impact with a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, giving Tampa Bay a 7-3 lead. His limited carries reflected the Bucs’ pass-heavy approach, but his score was a highlight. White nearly tossed the ball into the stands in celebration, showing his hometown pride.

Bucky Irving (Running Back)

• Rushing Yards: 24

• Carries: 7

• Receiving Yards: 6

• Receptions: 1

Rookie Bucky Irving provided a spark in the run game, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. His role was limited, but he showed promise as a complementary back.

Cade Otton (Tight End)

• Receiving Yards: 77

• Receptions: 8

• Touchdowns: 1

With the Bucs’ top receivers sidelined, Otton stepped up as Mayfield’s go-to target. His 11-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter gave Tampa Bay a 14-10 lead. Otton’s reliable hands and ability to find open zones were critical, especially in the absence of Evans and Godwin. He’s emerged as a key weapon, with 25 catches on 31 targets over the last three games.

Ryan Miller (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving Yards: 11

• Receptions: 2

• Touchdowns: 1

Miller, an undrafted rookie, made the play of his young career with a 1-yard touchdown catch with 27 seconds left in regulation. The score tied the game and forced overtime, marking Miller’s first NFL touchdown. His clutch performance in a high-pressure moment was a bright spot for Tampa Bay.

Trey Palmer (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving Yards: 33

• Receptions: 2

Palmer contributed with a 19-yard gain that set up the game-tying touchdown drive. His speed stretched the Chiefs’ defense, creating opportunities for others.

Sterling Shepard (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving Yards: 27

• Receptions: 2

Shepard made key catches, including an 18-yard gain that helped position the Bucs for a score. His veteran presence was valuable in a depleted receiving corps.

Defensive Standouts Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats

• Vita Vea (Defensive Tackle): 2 sacks, 3 tackles. Vea was a force, dropping Mahomes for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter and a 3-yard loss later. His pressure disrupted Kansas City’s rhythm early.

• Antoine Winfield Jr. (Safety): 4 tackles, including a key stop on Kareem Hunt. Winfield’s downhill play helped limit Hunt’s cutback runs.

• Josh Hayes (Cornerback): Recovered a fumble forced by Lavonte David on Travis Kelce, giving the Bucs possession late in the first half.

The Bucs’ defense struggled on third downs, allowing Kansas City to convert 12 of 18 attempts. However, Vea’s sacks and Hayes’ fumble recovery were critical in keeping the game close.

Key Player Stats: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs leaned on their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and a resurgent running game led by Kareem Hunt. Their third-down efficiency (12/18) was the difference-maker, with all four touchdowns coming on third-down plays.

Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback)

• Passing Yards: 291

• Completions/Attempts: 34/44 (77.3% completion rate)

• Touchdowns: 3

• Passer Rating: 116.8

• Sacks Taken: 2

Mahomes was at his best, throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns despite tweaking his ankle in the fourth quarter. His two touchdown passes to Hopkins and one to Samaje Perine showcased his precision. In overtime, Mahomes went 5-for-5, leading a 70-yard drive capped by Hunt’s touchdown. His ability to convert third downs (11/13) kept the Chiefs’ offense humming.

Kareem Hunt (Running Back)

• Rushing Yards: 106

• Carries: 27

• Rushing Touchdowns: 1

• Receiving Yards: 8

• Receptions: 1

Hunt was the workhorse, carrying the ball 27 times and powering through for the game-winning 2-yard touchdown in overtime. His 106 yards on the ground helped Kansas City control the clock, especially on a 15-play, 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter that ate 8:26. Hunt’s physical running style wore down the Bucs’ defense.

DeAndre Hopkins (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving Yards: 86

• Receptions: 8

• Touchdowns: 2

In just his second game with the Chiefs, Hopkins proved why he’s a three-time All-Pro. His 35-yard catch in triple coverage set up his first touchdown, a 1-yard score in the second quarter. He added a 5-yard touchdown in the fourth to give Kansas City a 24-17 lead. Hopkins’ chemistry with Mahomes is already clicking, making him a dangerous addition to the offense.

Travis Kelce (Tight End)

• Receiving Yards: 100

• Receptions: 14

Kelce was Mahomes’ favorite target, hauling in 14 catches for 100 yards. His 15-yard grab in overtime moved the Chiefs to the Bucs’ 11, setting up Hunt’s winning score. Kelce’s ability to find soft spots in Tampa Bay’s zone coverage was pivotal, though he did fumble late in the first half.

Samaje Perine (Running Back)

• Receiving Yards: 25

• Receptions: 4

• Touchdowns: 1

Perine’s 7-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter tied the game at 17-17. His role as a receiving back added balance to the Chiefs’ attack.

Justin Watson (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving Yards: 31

• Receptions: 2

Watson’s 19-yard catch exploited Tampa Bay’s zone coverage, setting up a Chiefs touchdown. His ability to get open on third downs kept drives alive.

Mecole Hardman (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving Yards: 10

• Receptions: 2

• Punt Return Yards: 30

Hardman’s 30-yard punt return in the first quarter gave Kansas City great field position, leading to a field goal. His speed as a returner and receiver added a dynamic element.

Defensive Standouts

• George Karlaftis (Defensive End): 1 sack, 3 tackles. Karlaftis sacked Mayfield and batted down a pass on third down, forcing a Bucs punt.

• Chris Jones (Defensive Tackle): 2 tackles. Jones didn’t record a sack but applied consistent pressure, disrupting Tampa Bay’s rhythm.

• Steve Spagnuolo’s Defense: Held the Bucs to under 100 rushing yards and under 300 total yards. Despite allowing a late touchdown, the unit forced two punts after taking a 17-10 lead.

Critical Moments That Defined the Game

This game was a rollercoaster, with momentum swinging back and forth. Here are the defining plays:

1. Rachaad White’s Touchdown (Q2): White’s 7-yard run gave the Bucs a 7-3 lead, energizing the offense after a slow start.

2. Hopkins’ First Touchdown (Q2): Mahomes found Hopkins for a 1-yard score on third-and-goal, putting Kansas City up 10-7. The 35-yard catch earlier in the drive was a highlight.

3. Otton’s Touchdown (Q3): Mayfield’s 11-yard pass to Otton gave Tampa Bay a 14-10 lead, capitalizing on a horse-collar tackle penalty.

4. Perine’s Touchdown (Q4): Mahomes’ 7-yard pass to Perine tied the game at 17-17, though Mahomes tweaked his ankle on the play.

5. Hopkins’ Second Touchdown (Q4): A 5-yard score on third-and-goal gave the Chiefs a 24-17 lead with 4:20 left.

6. Miller’s Game-Tying Touchdown (Q4): Mayfield’s 1-yard pass to Miller with 27 seconds left forced overtime, capping a 71-yard drive.

7. Hunt’s Overtime Winner: After winning the coin toss, Kansas City marched 70 yards, with Hunt’s 2-yard touchdown sealing the 30-24 victory.

Third-Down Efficiency: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats The Game’s X-Factor

Third-down conversions were the story of the game. The Chiefs went 12-for-18, with all four touchdowns coming on third down. Mahomes was 11-for-13 passing on third downs, showcasing his clutch gene. The Bucs converted 5-of-11, but their defense couldn’t get off the field when it mattered most. This disparity allowed Kansas City to sustain long drives, like the 15-play, 8:26 march in the fourth quarter.

Why Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats This Game Mattered

For the Chiefs, the win extended their streak to 14 games, including the postseason, marking the longest winning streak of coach Andy Reid’s career. It also solidified their status as the team to beat in the AFC. For the Bucs, the loss dropped them to 4-5, but their resilience without key players showed their potential. The decision to kick the extra point instead of going for two after Miller’s touchdown sparked debate, with coach Todd Bowles admitting he gave it “very minor” thought.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a quick reference table summarizing the top performers:

Team	Player	Position	Key Stats
Buccaneers	Baker Mayfield	QB	200 pass yds, 2 TDs, 23/31
Buccaneers	Cade Otton	TE	77 rec yds, 8 rec, 1 TD
Buccaneers	Rachaad White	RB	19 rush yds, 1 TD, 3 carries
Buccaneers	Ryan Miller	WR	11 rec yds, 2 rec, 1 TD
Buccaneers	Vita Vea	DT	2 sacks, 3 tackles
Chiefs	Patrick Mahomes	QB	291 pass yds, 3 TDs, 34/44
Chiefs	Kareem Hunt	RB	106 rush yds, 1 TD, 27 carries
Chiefs	DeAndre Hopkins	WR	86 rec yds, 8 rec, 2 TDs
Chiefs	Travis Kelce	TE	100 rec yds, 14 rec
Chiefs	George Karlaftis	DE	1 sack, 3 tackles

What’s Next for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Both Teams?

The Chiefs (8-0) face the Denver Broncos next, followed by a marquee matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Their offense is finding its groove with Hopkins, and Hunt’s return has added balance. The Bucs (4-5) host the San Francisco 49ers before their bye week, giving them time to regroup and get healthier. Mayfield’s leadership and Otton’s emergence are positives, but the defense needs to tighten up on third downs.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats game was a classic, with stellar performances from Mahomes, Hopkins, Hunt, Mayfield, and Otton. The stats tell a story of two teams battling through adversity—rain, injuries, and high stakes.