Introduction
The clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 21, 2024 delivered a thrilling, high-scoring battle that showcased elite quarterback play, explosive rushing, and clutch plays on both sides of the ball. In this comprehensive breakdown of “Baltimore Ravens vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats,” we dig into the numbers — passing yards, rushing totals, turnovers, and more — to reveal exactly who made the biggest impact and how the game swung. If you want to understand how this game played out beyond the final 41–31 scoreline, read on.
What Are Player Stats — And Why They Matter
Before diving into the specifics, let’s be clear: player stats are the statistical record of what each athlete does during the game. Passing yards, rushing yards, catches, tackles, sacks, interceptions — they measure impact, momentum shifts, and often determine who “won” the game beyond just the score. For coaches and analysts, they inform strategy; for fans, they tell the story behind the highlights.
Game Overview: Ravens vs Buccaneers, Oct 21 2024
In this Week 7 matchup at Raymond James Stadium, the Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 41–31, thanks to a dominant performance that featured 508 total yards vs. 481 by Tampa Bay. Baltimore ran for 244 yards and passed for 264; Tampa Bay managed 356 passing yards and 125 on the ground.
| Team | Total Offense | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravens | 508 | 264 | 244 | 41 |
| Buccaneers | 481 | 356 | 125 | 31 |
This stat line alone explains how balanced Baltimore’s attack was — effective both through the air and on the ground — and how Tampa Bay’s passing game stayed alive, even if their ground game lagged.
Quarterback Performances: Passing Yards, Touchdowns, and Decision Making
Ravens’ QB: Lamar Jackson
- Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes for 281 yards and 5 touchdowns, with 0 interceptions. ESPN.com
- He also added 52 rushing yards on 9 carries. Pro Football Reference
- His passer rating (RTG) was 158.1, an elite performance. ESPN.com
That level of efficiency — high completion %, zero turnovers, multiple TDs — shows exactly why Jackson is considered among the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. His ability to pass and run forced Tampa’s defense to account for both, opening up opportunities across the field.
Buccaneers’ QB: Baker Mayfield
- Mayfield went 31 of 45 for 370 yards, with 3 touchdowns but 2 interceptions. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- He threw for more yards than Jackson — testament to Tampa Bay’s aggressive passing strategy — but the interceptions and sacks (3 sacks themselves) undercut their overall efficiency. ESPN.com
While Mayfield’s yardage total underscores Tampa Bay’s offensive firepower, the turnovers and sacks show how Baltimore’s defense forced mistakes, which ultimately helped swing momentum.
Running Game & Ground Attack: Controlling Tempo and Overall Offense
Ravens Rushing Leaders
- Derrick Henry — 15 carries, 169 yards, long run of 81 yards. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jackson himself + other backs — total 244 rushing yards on the day for Baltimore. Baltimore Ravens
That mix of high-yardage carries and a dominant long run helped Baltimore keep drives alive, wear down Tampa’s defense, and control the clock at critical moments — a classic example of how an elite running game complements a strong passing attack.
Buccaneers Rushing Attack
- Tampa managed only 125 total rushing yards, a significant contrast to the Ravens’ ground dominance. USA TODAY
- The limited rushing output made Tampa’s offense rely heavily on passes — which worked to a degree, but ultimately lacked balance and predictability.
Receiving & Key Pass-Catching Performances
Despite heavy passing volume by Tampa Bay, Baltimore’s balanced offense meant that their passing game didn’t rely solely on one receiver — but that also makes standout receiving stats less dramatic compared to an all-air attack. According to the box score, Baltimore’s passing game overall included 281 passing yards for 5 TDs.
For Tampa Bay, their higher passing yardage suggests their receivers saw plenty of action — though turnovers and sacks diluted the efficiency of many drives.
(Note: individual receiving breakdown for Tampa isn’t fully visible in the main box score summary; if you like, I can pull up detailed target-to-catch-yards data.)
Defense & Turnovers: Momentum-Shifting Plays
Defense often wins games — and this match was no exception. The Ravens defense recorded 2 interceptions and 3 sacks, while Tampa failed to intercept any passes.
Further, Baltimore forced 1 fumble lost by Tampa, helping limit Tampa’s second-half comeback attempts.
By generating pressure, turnovers and shutdowns, Baltimore’s defense disrupted Tampa Bay’s rhythm and gave their offense more chances — a classic recipe for victory.
Turnover Battle & Its Impact
- Tampa Bay: 2 turnovers (2 INTs thrown by Mayfield) + 1 lost fumble. Pro Football Reference
- Ravens: 0 turnovers. Pro Football Reference
Winning the turnover battle — especially without giving up the ball — proved decisive. While Tampa’s aggressive passing and yardage kept them in the game, the mistakes undermined crucial drives and ultimately contributed to their loss.
Efficiency Metrics: Why Raw Yards Don’t Tell the Whole Story
- Jackson’s completion percentage (~77%) and 5:0 TD–INT ratio show superb efficiency.
- Mayfield’s high yardage (370 yards) is impressive, but 2 interceptions and 3 sacks point to more risk and volatility.
- On the ground, Baltimore’s average yards per carry (given 169 yards on 15 carries for Henry alone) — and their long 81-yard run — highlight a high-impact, efficient rushing attack. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Efficiency stats like completion rate, TD–INT ratio, yards per carry or per attempt often matter more than raw totals, because they show how consistently good a performance was — not just how flashy.
Key Game Moments: Stats That Reflect Turning Points
- Late in the game, Baltimore scored unanswered to pull away, thanks to efficient drives and a mix of pass and rush. Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa’s early heaviness on passing kept them in scoring range, but turnovers and lack of balance hurt them. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
These momentum swings are reflected in stat lines: when Baltimore executed efficiently (on both ground and air), they built and maintained control; when Tampa piled up yardage but turned over the ball, the game slipped away.
What Fans & Analysts Should Learn from These Stats
- Balanced offense matters: combining a strong run game with efficient passing makes a team much harder to stop.
- Turnovers still decide games — no matter how many yards you pile up.
- Efficiency (completion %, TD–INT ratio, yards per carry) often matters as much as raw totals.
- A dominant defensive showing with sacks and interceptions can flip field position and momentum.
Internal Linking & Content Suggestions (For Web Publication)
- Link to a “Season Stats” page for each team (e.g., Ravens 2024 Season Overview, Buccaneers 2024 Season Overview)
- Link to “Understanding NFL Player Stats” or “How to Read a Box Score” for beginner fans
- Link to prior head-to-head history between Ravens and Buccaneers.
External Authoritative References
- Official box score and game recap pages from sources like NFL.com or Pro-Football-Reference. (E.g., the 21 Oct 2024 box score.) Pro Football Reference
- Analytical breakdowns / advanced metrics from trusted analysts (e.g. PFF, ESPN, FootballDB).
Conclusion
The October 21, 2024 showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered more than just an entertaining 41–31 result. The real story lies in the stats: a balanced, efficient Ravens offense powered by dual-threat quarterback play and a dominant run game, paired with a defense that disrupted Tampa’s rhythm with sacks, turnovers, and pressure. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s high passing yardage showed promise — but ultimately, their turnovers and lack of balance were costly. For fans looking to understand “who won and why,” the answer lies not just in the final score, but in the numbers.
Next time you watch a game, pay close attention to completion rates, TD–INT ratios, turnover differential — they often tell the real story behind the win or loss.
FAQs
Q: Does high passing yardage always mean a good offensive performance?
A: Not necessarily. If high yardage comes with turnovers or low completion rate, it may reflect inefficiency or risky plays. Efficiency and ball security often matter more.
Q: Why is a strong running game important even in a pass-heavy league?
A: A solid run game controls tempo, wears down defenses, opens up play-action passes — and gives balance so the offense isn’t one-dimensional.
Q: How much do turnovers affect the outcome?
A: Turnovers frequently swing momentum, field position, and scoring opportunities. In many games, the turnover differential is more predictive of the winner than total yards gained.
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