Baltimore Ravens vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats: A Complete Breakdown of Power, Precision, and Momentum
When the Baltimore Ravens clashed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 21, 2024, NFL fans expected a tight contest between two highly skilled teams boasting elite quarterbacks and versatile offenses. What unfolded, however, was a masterclass in offensive execution by the Ravens — led by Lamar Jackson’s five touchdown passes and Derrick Henry’s ground dominance — that overpowered the Buccaneers’ efforts despite Baker Mayfield’s 370-yard passing showcase.
The game, ending Baltimore 41 – Tampa Bay 31, delivered one of the most statistically rich and thrilling encounters of the 2024 NFL season. From offensive fireworks to defensive lapses, this matchup offered football purists every element of drama worth analyzing.
A Game of Two Halves: How Momentum Shifted
Tampa Bay came out firing early, capitalizing on home-field energy and an aggressive opening drive that set the tone with a quick 10-0 lead. Baker Mayfield’s precision passing, combined with short-yardage bursts from Rachaad White, made the Ravens’ defense look briefly out of sync.
But that early control didn’t last. By the start of the second quarter, Baltimore’s offense — which had been conservative at first — shifted gears. Lamar Jackson found his rhythm, connecting on deep throws, quick slants, and play-action setups that exposed gaps in the Buccaneers’ secondary. Once Mark Andrews hauled in his first touchdown, the floodgates opened.
The Ravens poured in 34 unanswered points, fueled by explosive plays from Derrick Henry and Rashod Bateman, turning what looked like a Buccaneers-friendly start into a one-sided contest.
Lamar Jackson: The MVP-Caliber Commander
Few quarterbacks in modern NFL history can balance agility, accuracy, and game management the way Lamar Jackson did in this matchup. His 17 completions on 22 attempts for 281 yards and five touchdowns painted a picture of surgical precision. More than just raw numbers, it was his timing and composure under pressure that defined the night.
Jackson distributed the ball efficiently — targeting six different receivers — and avoided costly turnovers. His ability to read Tampa Bay’s disguised coverage schemes, step up in the pocket, and make decisive throws neutralized the Buccaneers’ blitz packages.
He also added 52 rushing yards on nine carries, extending plays and converting critical downs when it mattered most. His dual-threat presence forced Tampa Bay’s linebackers into constant hesitation, creating open zones downfield.
Analysts noted this as Jackson’s fifth career game with five passing touchdowns — a testament to his evolution from dynamic runner to complete quarterback. He wasn’t just improvising; he was orchestrating.
\\Derrick Henry’s Revival: The Powerhouse Returns
If Lamar Jackson provided the finesse, Derrick Henry supplied the raw force. The former Titans star, now in his groove as a Raven, erupted for 169 rushing yards on 15 carries (11.3 yards per carry) — one of his best outings since 2022.
Henry’s bruising 81-yard run in the third quarter epitomized Baltimore’s dominance. Breaking through arm tackles and bulldozing secondary defenders, he reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most feared runners in the league.
What made his performance even more impressive was versatility — not just power. He caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jackson, proving he’s far from one-dimensional. In a Ravens offense often built around unpredictability, Henry’s balance of patience and burst made the Buccaneers’ defensive front look exhausted by halftime.
Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews: Dynamic Receiving Duo
Baltimore’s receiving corps thrived on rhythm and spacing. Rashod Bateman finally delivered the breakout game fans had been waiting for — 4 receptions for 121 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to stretch the field created vertical stress that opened up shorter routes for Andrews and Justice Hill.
Mark Andrews, the consistent red-zone weapon, was practically unstoppable near the goal line. With 4 catches for 41 yards and 2 touchdowns, he extended drives and converted high-leverage plays that kept the Ravens’ offense rolling. His chemistry with Jackson remains one of the most dependable tandems in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Justice Hill added another layer with 3 receptions for 44 yards and 1 touchdown, illustrating how well-distributed Baltimore’s passing game was. Rather than relying solely on deep shots, the Ravens blended short passes, misdirection, and screen plays to control tempo.
The Ravens’ Defense: Opportunistic and Resilient
While Baltimore’s defense gave up 481 total yards, it was opportunistic when needed most. Marlon Humphrey led the secondary with two crucial interceptions off Mayfield before leaving due to injury. Each turnover deflated Tampa Bay’s rhythm and allowed the Ravens to expand their lead.
The pass rush wasn’t overly dominant but timely — with Odafe Oweh and Justin Madubuike collapsing the pocket just enough to force hurried throws. Linebacker Roquan Smith recorded 10 tackles, anchoring the middle and limiting Rachaad White’s effectiveness in open space.
Baltimore’s defensive identity in this game wasn’t about dominance — it was about resilience and capitalization. When they needed to step up, they did.
Baker Mayfield: Grit and Guts Despite the Odds
For the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield’s effort was nothing short of valiant. Completing 31 of 45 passes for 370 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, he carried the offense even as key targets went down.
His chemistry with Trey Palmer and Cade Otton showed flashes of promise, but the loss of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin during the game due to injuries stripped the Buccaneers of their deep-ball threat.
Mayfield made several tight-window throws under pressure, yet the interceptions — especially one in the second quarter that led to an immediate Ravens touchdown — shifted momentum permanently.
Even so, his resilience was clear: facing relentless pressure and a depleted lineup, Mayfield still engineered late-game drives that kept Tampa Bay within striking distance until the final minutes.
Rachaad White and the Rushing Struggles
Rachaad White contributed modestly with 11 carries for 49 yards, averaging 4.5 per carry, but the Buccaneers could never fully establish the ground game. Falling behind by multiple scores forced them into a pass-heavy approach.
Baltimore’s front seven closed gaps quickly, leaving Tampa Bay one-dimensional. While White added some help in the passing game, catching short dump-offs to relieve pressure on Mayfield, his overall impact remained limited.
Tampa Bay’s Defense: Overwhelmed and Outpaced
The Buccaneers’ defense — a traditionally physical unit — struggled mightily to contain Baltimore’s versatility. Despite a few early sacks from Vita Vea and Shaquil Barrett, they couldn’t sustain pressure consistently.
Linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White were caught off-balance repeatedly by Baltimore’s run-pass options. When they committed to stopping Henry, Jackson exploited the open seams behind them.
The secondary, missing key coverage communication, allowed multiple deep completions, including Bateman’s 70-yard reception that flipped the field late in the second quarter.
By the end of the third quarter, it was clear Tampa Bay’s defense was fatigued — a combination of long drives, missed tackles, and an inability to adjust to Baltimore’s tempo.
Team Comparisons and Key Stats
| Category | Ravens | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 41 | 31 |
| Total Yards | 508 | 481 |
| Passing Yards | 281 | 370 |
| Rushing Yards | 227 | 111 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 3/8 (37%) | 11/17 (65%) |
| Time of Possession | 24:55 | 35:05 |
While Tampa Bay technically controlled the clock and third-down conversions, Baltimore’s explosive efficiency offset that disparity. Every possession seemed to end in a touchdown or a momentum-shifting play.
The turnover differential ( +2 for Baltimore) proved decisive — especially Humphrey’s interceptions that stopped Tampa Bay drives cold.
Coaching and Tactical Decisions
John Harbaugh’s offensive strategy was brilliant in its balance. The Ravens used heavy formations early to bait the Buccaneers into loading the box, only to pivot into play-action attacks later. This adaptability forced Tampa Bay’s defense to constantly reset, never finding footing.
On the other side, Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme began well but unraveled under pressure. His unit’s inability to disguise coverages late in the game left Jackson free to exploit mismatches. Offensively, Bowles and coordinator Dave Canales leaned heavily on Mayfield, but without a running threat, predictability hurt them.
By the fourth quarter, the Ravens had effectively dictated every phase — tempo, formation, and spacing — turning a potential nail-biter into a statement victory.
Big-Picture Takeaways
- Lamar Jackson’s leadership is peaking. His poise, precision, and confidence underlined why he remains an MVP candidate.
- Derrick Henry is back. The performance silenced doubts about his fit in Baltimore’s offense.
- Baltimore’s depth is their biggest strength. Multiple scoring threats and a bend-but-not-break defense make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
- Tampa Bay needs healthier playmakers. Without Evans and Godwin, the offense becomes too predictable, putting immense pressure on Mayfield.
- Defensive endurance remains a concern. The Buccaneers’ inability to adapt mid-game highlights issues that coaching must address quickly.
Player of the Game: Lamar Jackson
While several players shone, the undisputed Player of the Game was Lamar Jackson. His command of the huddle, efficiency through the air, and situational awareness elevated Baltimore’s entire unit. Completing 77% of his passes without a turnover against a respected Tampa Bay defense is elite football.
Looking Ahead
The Baltimore Ravens used this win to solidify their position atop the AFC North, while the Buccaneers fell further behind in the NFC South. For Baltimore, consistency remains the key — avoiding emotional letdowns after big wins. For Tampa Bay, regrouping health-wise and reestablishing the ground game will be essential in staying playoff-relevant.
If the teams meet again later in the season — perhaps in postseason play — this game will stand as a crucial reference point: the night the Ravens’ offense finally reached its full potential.
Final Thoughts
The Baltimore Ravens vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats tell a story that goes beyond numbers — it’s about adaptability, execution, and seizing moments. Baltimore didn’t just win; they imposed their identity on both sides of the ball.
Lamar Jackson’s precision, Derrick Henry’s power, and the receiving corps’ efficiency highlighted a team playing cohesive, inspired football. On the flip side, Tampa Bay’s grit deserves credit, but injuries and defensive lapses proved too much to overcome.
For fans, this game was more than a Week 7 showdown — it was a statement about the evolving nature of both franchises. Baltimore’s rise continues, while Tampa Bay searches for the right balance between resilience and reinvention.
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