The Buccaneers’ ground game has started to look like a real problem for defenses, and Kenneth Gainwell thinks the latest performance showed exactly why.
Tampa Bay’s offense leaned on the run in its dominant win over the division-leading Carolina Panthers, with Gainwell and Bucky Irving combining for more than 200 yards on the ground. Gainwell had his best outing of the season, piling up 88 rushing yards on 14 carries after being limited early in the year.
That game, at least in Gainwell’s eyes, was a clear turning point.
On Friday, he joined The Jim Rome Show and didn’t hesitate when asked about what the Buccaneers showed against Carolina.
"I most definitely think we turned the corner on that..." Gainwell said. "If we keep that going, I don't see anyone beating us."
He added that the offense and defense have both been settling in over the last few weeks, with each side playing to its strengths.
For Tampa Bay, the pairing of Gainwell and Irving has been especially useful. Irving remains the lead back, while Gainwell has given the Bucs a second option who can keep the starter fresh and still make plays.
Against Carolina, that showed up in a big way on a 28-yard run, Gainwell’s longest of the season. He finished the play with an impressive stiff arm that drew cheers from the sideline.
"People look at me as a small guy but I have a lot of power," Gainwell said when asked about the run.
Baker Mayfield also praised Gainwell’s game, pointing to his background as a receiver in his early college days at Memphis as one reason he looks so "smooth" in his routes. Mayfield said Gainwell also does a strong job reading blocks and called him a "leader" who can help set the tone on offense.
The timing of that momentum matters. Tampa Bay is set to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday with a chance to move to the top of the NFC South. The Bucs are still searching for their first home win of the season, but they’ll be doing it against a Falcons defense that ranks in the top five against the run.
In Other News...
Bucs May Have Found A New Way To Help Baker Mayfield
The Buccaneers leaned on the ground game in their recent win over Carolina, and Kenny Gainwell gave them exactly the kind of burst they needed. He carried the ball 14 times for 88 yards, easily his best showing since joining Tampa Bay, and the offense looked more balanced with a heavier commitment to the run.
What makes Gainwell even more intriguing is that his value does not have to stop there. He has been used sparingly as a receiver this season, even though that part of his game could help Baker Mayfield and the passing attack find easier answers, especially with Atlanta coming up and a defense that could force Tampa Bay to get creative in how it moves the ball. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Defense Faces A Bigger Test Than Fans May Realize
Michael Penix Jr. has quietly become one of the more difficult quarterbacks to prepare for this season, and the Buccaneers are about to see why. In just five games, he has shown the kind of accuracy and efficiency that can stress a defense without forcing the issue, pairing a sharp completion rate with a strong touchdown-to-interception profile and the poise to keep drives moving.
For Tampa Bay, the challenge is not just slowing a productive passer, but doing it against a quarterback who has been among the NFLs most careful with the football. The Buccaneers have already spent plenty of time dealing with top-tier arms this year, and this matchup adds another test of whether their defense can stay disciplined when the ball is coming out on time and the mistakes are hard to find. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Need 2 Shaky Units To Hold Up Against Atlanta
The Buccaneers are trying to turn one good win into something more meaningful after handling Carolina and putting themselves in position to chase back-to-back victories for the first time in over a year. Atlanta is next, and with the NFC South picture always tight, this one carries a little extra weight for Tampa Bay. The Bucs have enough established pieces to make that possible, but they also know the margin gets thinner when key units are asked to carry their share.
Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Josiah Trotter will be under the microscope again, and the middle of the defense has to be steadier against a Falcons offense that can stress a team in multiple ways. On the other side, Tampa Bay needs its receiver group to keep functioning around Chris Godwin and provide enough support to keep the offense moving. The matchup does not leave much room for a weak spot, which is why this feels like the kind of game where the Bucs either clean up a few lingering issues or get reminded quickly how fragile a winning streak can be. [Read more 🡒]