
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats – ‘Overtime Thriller Recap’
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a nail-biting Week 9 matchup of the 2024 NFL season. This article dives deep into the player stats and game analysis of this thrilling overtime contest, showcasing the performances that shaped the outcome. From quarterback heroics to defensive standouts, we’ll break down the key numbers and moments that made this game unforgettable.
For more on other high-stakes NFL matchups, check out our breakdown of the Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets Match Player Stats.
Game Overview
The Chiefs and Buccaneers delivered an edge-of-your-seat spectacle on November 4, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The final score of 30-24 in favor of the Chiefs only hints at the drama that unfolded on the field.

From the opening kickoff, it was clear this would be no ordinary game. The Chiefs struck first with a field goal, but the Buccaneers answered back with a touchdown in the second quarter. The lead changed hands multiple times, keeping fans guessing until the very end.
The real fireworks came in the fourth quarter and overtime. With the game on the line, both teams stepped up their game. The Chiefs managed to tie it up, forcing overtime. In the extra period, they capitalized on their opportunity, with Kareem Hunt punching in the game-winning touchdown.
This victory wasn’t just another notch in the Chiefs’ belt. It pushed their record to a perfect 8-0, making them just the sixth Super Bowl champion to start 8-0 the following season. For the Buccaneers, the loss dropped them to 4-5, but they proved they could hang with the best in the league.
Quarterback Battle: Mayfield vs Mahomes
The quarterback duel between Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes was a highlight reel in itself. Mayfield, leading the Buccaneers, put up solid numbers. He completed 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. His accuracy was on point, with a 74.2% completion rate.
But Mahomes, true to form, was on another level. Despite nursing an ankle injury, he connected on 34 of 44 passes for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 77.3% completion rate was nothing short of impressive.
What’s remarkable is that neither quarterback threw an interception. They both showed great decision-making skills under pressure. But it was Mahomes who had the edge in touchdown passes, throwing for three compared to Mayfield’s two.
The overtime drive showcased Mahomes at his best. He went 5 for 5, marching the Chiefs down the field for the win. It was a masterclass in clutch performance, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best in the game.
Ground Game Comparison
While the air attack was impressive, the ground game played a crucial role too. For the Buccaneers, Richard White made his presence felt with a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. However, the Chiefs’ defense did a great job overall, limiting the Buccaneers to just 95 rushing yards as a team.
On the flip side, Kareem Hunt had a day to remember for the Chiefs. He carried the ball 27 times for 106 yards, averaging a solid 3.9 yards per carry. But his biggest moment came in overtime when he scored the game-winning touchdown from 2 yards out.
Interestingly, the Buccaneers averaged 5.0 yards per rush, higher than the Chiefs’ 3.5. But it was the Chiefs’ commitment to the run game, with 35 attempts compared to the Buccaneers’ 19, that allowed them to control the clock and wear down the opposing defense.
This balanced attack kept the Buccaneers’ defense guessing and opened up opportunities in the passing game for Mahomes. It’s a testament to the Chiefs’ well-rounded offensive strategy.
Receiving Corps Performance
Both teams’ receiving corps put on a show, with standout performances on both sides. For the Buccaneers, tight end Cade Otton emerged as a key target. He led the team with 8 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. His 11-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was a crucial moment for the Buccaneers.
Other Buccaneers receivers made their mark too. Sterling Shepard caught 4 passes for 48 yards, while Trey Palmer added 2 receptions for 33 yards. It wasn’t flashy, but it showed a balanced distribution of targets in the Buccaneers’ passing attack.
For the Chiefs, Travis Kelce reminded everyone why he’s one of the best tight ends in the league. He hauled in a whopping 14 receptions for 100 yards. While he didn’t find the end zone, his consistent production was crucial to the Chiefs’ success.
DeAndre Hopkins also had a day to remember for the Chiefs. He caught 8 passes for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns. These were his first touchdowns as a Chief, making it a memorable game for both him and the team.
Other Chiefs contributors included Justin Watson with 3 catches for 43 yards and Samaje Perine, who added 4 receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown out of the backfield.
The performance of both receiving corps highlighted the importance of having multiple reliable targets in today’s NFL. While star players like Kelce and Hopkins made big impacts, the contributions of role players were equally important in sustaining drives and creating scoring opportunities.
Defensive Standouts
While the offenses stole the show, the defensive units played a crucial role in shaping the game’s outcome. For the Buccaneers, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was all over the field. He recorded 5 solo tackles and 2 assists, making his presence felt in the secondary.
Defensive tackle Vita Vea was a force to be reckoned with. He registered 7 tackles (4 solo) and 2 sacks. His ability to penetrate the Chiefs’ offensive line and pressure Mahomes was a key factor in keeping the game close.
On the Chiefs’ side, cornerback Chamarri Roland-Wallace led the team with 4 solo tackles and 2 assists. His coverage skills were crucial in limiting the effectiveness of the Buccaneers’ passing attack. Safety Bryan Cook matched Roland-Wallace’s production with 4 tackles and 2 assists, providing solid support in both pass coverage and run defense.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill made his presence felt with 3 solo tackles, 4 assists, and half a sack. His versatility in defending both the run and pass was valuable throughout the game. Defensive end George Karlaftis also had a productive outing, recording 3 tackles, 1 assist, and 1 sack.
While neither team recorded an interception, both defenses made crucial stops on third downs. The Buccaneers’ defense held the Chiefs to a 67% conversion rate on third downs (12 of 18), while the Chiefs’ defense limited the Buccaneers to a 45.5% success rate (5 of 11).
These defensive performances, while sometimes overshadowed by the offensive fireworks, were instrumental in keeping the game close and competitive until the very end.
Special Teams Contributions
In a close game like this, special teams can often be the difference-maker. Both teams’ kickers had perfect outings. For the Buccaneers, Chase McLaughlin nailed all three of his extra point attempts and a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter. His accuracy kept the Buccaneers in contention throughout the game.
On the Chiefs’ side, Harrison Butker was equally flawless. He connected on all three of his extra-point attempts and kicked a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter. His consistency ensured the Chiefs capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
In the punting game, the Chiefs’ Matt Araiza had a solid outing. He punted 4 times for an average of 42.8 yards, with a long of 49 yards. Importantly, he managed to pin the Buccaneers inside their 20-yard line once, helping the Chiefs in the field position battle.
While there were no standout returns or blocked kicks, the reliable performances of both kicking units ensured that neither team lost ground due to special teams’ mistakes. In a game decided by such a narrow margin, this consistency was crucial.
Team Statistics Breakdown
A closer look at the team statistics reveals some interesting insights. The Chiefs had a significant advantage in total yards, accumulating 384 yards compared to the Buccaneers’ 284 yards. This disparity is reflected in the number of first downs, with the Chiefs recording 28 first downs to the Buccaneers’ 17.
Breaking down the yardage, the Chiefs gained 260 yards through the air and 124 yards on the ground. This balanced attack kept the Buccaneers’ defense guessing. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, had 189 passing yards and 95 rushing yards, showing a slightly more pass-heavy approach.
One of the most telling statistics was the third-down conversion rate. The Chiefs excelled here, converting 12 of 18 third-down attempts for an impressive 66.7% success rate. The Buccaneers were less efficient, converting 5 of 11 third-down attempts for a 45.5% success rate.
Time of possession was heavily skewed in favor of the Chiefs, who held the ball for 40:42 compared to the Buccaneers’ 25:10. This significant advantage allowed the Chiefs to wear down the Buccaneers’ defense and limit the opportunities for the Buccaneers’ offense to score.
These statistics paint a picture of a game where the Chiefs had a slight edge in most categories, particularly in sustaining drives and controlling the clock. However, the Buccaneers’ efficiency in the red zone and ability to create big plays kept them in the game until the very end.
Coaching Strategies and Adjustments
The coaching strategies and in-game adjustments played a crucial role in this closely contested matchup. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid showcased his offensive innovation throughout the game. One key decision was the increased emphasis on the running game, particularly in the second half and overtime. This adjustment helped control the clock and wear down the Buccaneers’ defense.
On the Buccaneers’ side, head coach Todd Bowles made several notable adjustments, particularly on defense. After the Chiefs found success through the air in the first half, Bowles tweaked the defensive scheme to provide more help in coverage against Travis Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins. This forced the Chiefs to rely more on their running game and short passes in the second half.
Halftime adjustments were evident for both teams. The Buccaneers came out of halftime with a more aggressive offensive approach, resulting in 10 unanswered points in the third quarter. The Chiefs, in response, made defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter that limited the Buccaneers’ offensive production.
Clock management became crucial in the final minutes of regulation and overtime. Reid’s decision to be aggressive on the final drive of regulation, which resulted in a game-tying touchdown, showcased his confidence in his offense. In overtime, the Chiefs’ methodical approach to their winning drive highlighted their situational awareness and ability to execute under pressure.
These coaching decisions and adjustments kept fans on the edge of their seats and demonstrated the high-level chess match that occurs on the sidelines during an NFL game.
In conclusion, this Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs match was a showcase of NFL talent at its finest. From quarterback heroics to clutch defensive plays, every aspect of the game was on display. The player stats tell a story of two evenly matched teams giving their all, with the Chiefs ultimately coming out on top in a thrilling overtime finish. It’s games like these that remind us why we love football.
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