Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats

On November 4, 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats in a gripping Week 9 Monday Night Football clash at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The game, which went into overtime, ended with the Chiefs securing a 30-24 victory, keeping their perfect 8-0 record intact. This matchup was a rollercoaster of emotions, with standout performances from both teams’ key players. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and provide an easy-to-read analysis that anyone can understand, whether you’re a lifelong football fan or just tuning in for the first time. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind this epic battle!

Game Overview: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Rainy Night in Kansas City

The game was played under wet, challenging conditions, which influenced both teams’ strategies. The Chiefs leaned heavily on their third-down efficiency and time of possession (40:42 compared to Tampa Bay’s 25:10), wearing down the Buccaneers’ defense. Tampa Bay, despite missing key receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, fought valiantly, tying the game late in regulation. However, Kansas City won the overtime coin toss and marched down the field for a game-winning touchdown, leaving the Buccaneers with a 4-5 record after their third straight loss.

This article will focus on the key player stats, including passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive contributions, with a clear and engaging breakdown. We’ll also include a table summarizing the top performers for quick reference.

Key Player Stats: Offense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield (Quarterback)

Baker Mayfield was the heart of the Buccaneers’ offense, showing resilience despite the absence of his top receivers. He completed 23 of his 31 pass attempts for 200 yards, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions, earning a solid passer rating of 112.3. Mayfield’s ability to stay composed under pressure was evident in the final minute of regulation, when he led a 71-yard drive, connecting with Ryan Miller for a one-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24-24 with just 27 seconds left. His performance was a testament to his grit, especially in tough weather conditions and against a formidable Chiefs defense.

Rachaad White (Running Back)

Kansas City native Rachaad White had a memorable homecoming, scoring a seven-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter to give the Buccaneers an early 7-3 lead. White carried the ball three times for 19 yards, including that crucial score. While his rushing stats were modest, his energy and connection to the Kansas City crowd added a special narrative to the game.

Bucky Irving (Running Back)

Rookie running back Bucky Irving led the Buccaneers’ rushing efforts with seven carries for 24 yards. Although the Chiefs’ defense stifled Tampa Bay’s ground game (totaling under 100 yards as a team), Irving showed flashes of potential, averaging 3.4 yards per carry.

Cade Otton (Tight End)

With top receivers sidelined, tight end Cade Otton stepped up as Mayfield’s primary target. He caught eight passes for 77 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown in the third quarter that helped Tampa Bay take a 14-10 lead. Otton’s reliable hands and ability to find open spaces in the Chiefs’ zone coverage were critical to keeping the Buccaneers competitive.

Ryan Miller (Wide Receiver)

Practice squad call-up Ryan Miller made the most of his opportunity, catching a one-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of regulation to tie the game. This was Miller’s first career touchdown, a huge moment for the young receiver who stepped up in a high-pressure situation.

Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer (Wide Receivers)

Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer also contributed to the passing game, with Shepard gaining 18 yards on a key reception and Palmer adding a 19-yard catch that set up a scoring opportunity. The Buccaneers’ receiving corps, though depleted, showed heart and adaptability.

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback)

Patrick Mahomes was the driving force behind the Chiefs’ victory, completing 34 of 44 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions, earning a passer rating of 116.8. His third-down efficiency was remarkable, completing 11 of 13 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns, converting 10 first downs. Mahomes also overcame an ankle tweak in the fourth quarter, returning to lead the game-winning overtime drive. His ability to extend plays and find open receivers, even under pressure, was a difference-maker.

Kareem Hunt (Running Back)

Running back Kareem Hunt was a workhorse, carrying the ball 27 times for 106 yards and scoring the game-winning two-yard touchdown in overtime. Hunt’s physical running style helped the Chiefs control the clock, especially in the second half, where he averaged 6.7 yards per carry on a key drive to tie the game at 17. His 27 carries were a testament to Kansas City’s strategy of grinding down the Buccaneers’ defense.

DeAndre Hopkins (Wide Receiver)

In his second game as a Chief, DeAndre Hopkins proved why he’s a three-time All-Pro. He caught eight passes for 86 yards, including two touchdowns (one-yard and five-yard scores). His most impressive play was a 35-yard reception in the second quarter, beating triple coverage with a 12.3% catch probability, according to Next Gen Stats. This play set up his first touchdown and showcased his chemistry with Mahomes.

Travis Kelce (Tight End)

Tight end Travis Kelce was a reliable target, hauling in 14 receptions for 100 yards. While he didn’t score, Kelce’s ability to find soft spots in Tampa Bay’s zone coverage and convert key third downs (including a 21-yard catch in overtime) kept drives alive. His fumble in the second quarter, recovered by the Buccaneers, was a rare misstep in an otherwise stellar performance.

Samaje Perine (Running Back)

Running back Samaje Perine added a seven-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 17. Perine’s role in the passing game complemented Hunt’s ground efforts, giving the Chiefs a balanced attack.

Key Player Stats: Defense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vita Vea (Defensive Tackle)

Defensive tackle Vita Vea was a force in the middle, recording two sacks on Mahomes. His first sack, a nine-yard loss in the first quarter, knocked the Chiefs out of field goal range, forcing a punt. Vea’s second sack in the third quarter disrupted another Kansas City drive. His ability to beat All-Pro center Creed Humphrey was a highlight of Tampa Bay’s defensive effort.

Antoine Winfield Jr. and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Defensive Backs/Linebackers)

Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka teamed up to stop Kareem Hunt on a key second-down play in the third quarter, showcasing their tackling prowess. Winfield’s downhill speed and Tryon-Shoyinka’s pursuit kept the Chiefs’ running game in check at times.

Josh Hayes (Defensive Back)

Defensive back Josh Hayes recovered a fumble forced by Lavonte David on Travis Kelce in the second quarter, giving the Buccaneers possession at their own 45-yard line. This turnover kept Tampa Bay in the game early.

Kansas City Chiefs

George Karlaftis (Defensive End)

Defensive end George Karlaftis made life difficult for Mayfield, recording a sack and batting down a pass intended for Sterling Shepard on third down, forcing a punt. His pressure disrupted Tampa Bay’s rhythm early in the game.

Chris Jones (Defensive Tackle)

While Chris Jones didn’t record a sack, his presence in the interior helped limit the Buccaneers’ rushing attack to under 100 yards. The Chiefs’ defense, orchestrated by Steve Spagnuolo, was stingy against the run, forcing Tampa Bay to rely heavily on Mayfield’s passing.

Special Teams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kicker Chase McLaughlin was perfect, converting a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter and all three extra-point attempts, including the crucial kick to tie the game at 24.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kicker Harrison Butker opened the scoring with a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter and made all three extra-point attempts. Mecole Hardman’s 30-yard punt return in the first quarter set up Butker’s field goal, giving the Chiefs early momentum.

Game-Changing Moments

1. Hopkins’ 35-Yard Catch: DeAndre Hopkins’ improbable 35-yard reception in the second quarter, beating triple coverage, set up his first touchdown and shifted momentum toward Kansas City.

2. Mayfield’s Clutch Drive: Baker Mayfield’s 71-yard touchdown drive in the final minute of regulation, capped by Ryan Miller’s score, showcased Tampa Bay’s resilience and forced overtime.

3. Overtime Coin Toss: The Chiefs’ win of the overtime coin toss proved decisive, as Mahomes led a 10-play, 70-yard drive, ending with Hunt’s touchdown. Tampa Bay never got a chance to respond.

4. Third-Down Dominance: Kansas City’s 12-of-18 third-down conversions (66.7%) allowed them to control the clock and exhaust the Buccaneers’ defense, a key factor in their victory.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Table

Player	Team	Stat Category	Stats
Baker Mayfield	Buccaneers	Passing	23/31, 200 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 112.3 RAT
Rachaad White	Buccaneers	Rushing	3 car, 19 yds, 1 TD
Bucky Irving	Buccaneers	Rushing	7 car, 24 yds
Cade Otton	Buccaneers	Receiving	8 rec, 77 yds, 1 TD
Ryan Miller	Buccaneers	Receiving	1 rec, 1 yd, 1 TD
Vita Vea	Buccaneers	Defense	2 sacks
Josh Hayes	Buccaneers	Defense	1 fumble recovery
Patrick Mahomes	Chiefs	Passing	34/44, 291 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT, 116.8 RAT
Kareem Hunt	Chiefs	Rushing	27 car, 106 yds, 1 TD
DeAndre Hopkins	Chiefs	Receiving	8 rec, 86 yds, 2 TD
Travis Kelce	Chiefs	Receiving	14 rec, 100 yds
Samaje Perine	Chiefs	Receiving	1 rec, 7 yds, 1 TD
George Karlaftis	Chiefs	Defense	1 sack, 1 pass deflection
Harrison Butker	Chiefs	Kicking	1/1 FG (40 yds), 3/3 XP
Chase McLaughlin	Buccaneers	Kicking	1/1 FG (47 yds), 3/3 XP

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

This matchup was a Super Bowl LV rematch, where the Buccaneers previously dominated the Chiefs 31-9 in 2021. This time, Kansas City got revenge, extending their winning streak to 14 games dating back to the previous season. For Tampa Bay, the loss highlighted their resilience despite injuries but also their struggles to close out games against elite teams. The Chiefs’ ability to control the game’s tempo and capitalize on third downs underscored why they remain the NFL’s gold standard.

For fans, this game was a showcase of individual brilliance. Mahomes’ precision, Hopkins’ acrobatic catches, and Mayfield’s clutch performance kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The overtime drama, fueled by the NFL’s controversial rules, added another layer of intrigue, sparking debates about fairness in extra periods.

Looking Ahead

The Chiefs, now 8-0, face the Denver Broncos in Week 10, aiming to continue their unbeaten streak. The Buccaneers, at 4-5, take on the San Francisco 49ers, hoping to snap their losing skid and keep their NFC South hopes alive. Both teams showcased their strengths in this game, with Kansas City’s balanced attack and Tampa Bay’s fight proving they’re still forces to be reckoned with.

Final Thoughts

The TTampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats on November 4, 2024, was a classic NFL showdown filled with standout performances. From Patrick Mahomes’ pinpoint passes to Baker Mayfield’s clutch drive, and from DeAndre Hopkins’ highlight-reel catches to Vita Vea’s disruptive sacks, this game had it all. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just love a good football story, the stats and moments from this matchup are worth revisiting. For more details, check out sources like ESPN, NFL.com, and Buccaneers.com for full box scores and highlights.