Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats and Analytical Breakdown

Analyzing the statistical output of a high-stakes NFL matchup reveals more than just the final score. The clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Philadelphia Eagles provided a wealth of data points that define the current trajectory of both franchises. In their most recent significant meeting, a 31-25 victory for Philadelphia, the box score told a story of explosive plays versus consistent efficiency. While Tampa Bay dominated the total yardage battle with 376 net yards compared to Philadelphia’s 200, the distribution of those yards and the timing of key turnovers shifted the win probability decisively.

Quarterback production: Mayfield’s volume vs. Hurts’ efficiency

The statistical comparison between the two signal-callers highlights contrasting offensive philosophies. Baker Mayfield finished the game with a high volume of passing yards, totaling 289 on 22-of-40 passing. His performance was characterized by the "big play"—most notably a 77-yard touchdown strike and a 72-yard improvisational toss. However, the volume came at a cost. Mayfield’s 55% completion rate reflected a high degree of difficulty in attempts, and his late-game interception in the red zone became the most critical statistical mark of the evening.

On the other side, Jalen Hurts managed a more conservative stat line through the air, finishing 15-of-24 for 130 yards and two touchdowns. While his passing yardage was modest, his situational efficiency was superior. Hurts achieved a passer rating of 104.5, largely due to his ability to convert in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His rushing statistics added another layer of complexity for the Buccaneers' defense, as he contributed 62 yards on 9 carries, effectively using his legs to extend drives and maintain the Eagles' early lead.

Passing Statistics Comparison

The emergence of multi-dimensional backfields

One of the most intriguing statistical anomalies of this matchup was the performance of Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving. Traditionally, running back stats focus on rushing attempts, but Irving’s impact was felt primarily in the passing game. He recorded 102 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 72-yard touchdown where he showcased elite speed after the catch (YAC). This made him the first Buccaneers running back since 2018 to eclipse 100 receiving yards in a single game. On the ground, Irving added 63 yards on 15 carries, totaling 165 yards from scrimmage.

Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley provided a more traditional, grind-it-out statistical profile. Barkley handled 19 carries for 43 yards and a rushing touchdown. While his 2.3 yards-per-carry average appears low on the surface, his ability to finish drives—evidenced by his 6-yard touchdown run on a creative play-call—validated his role as the Eagles' primary red-zone threat. He also contributed 31 receiving yards, ensuring he remained a focal point of the defense regardless of the play type.

Rushing and Receiving Leaders

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

• Bucky Irving: 15 carries, 63 yards; 5 receptions, 102 yards, 1 TD
• Rachaad White: 6 carries, 17 yards; 4 receptions, 29 yards
• Emeka Egbuka: 4 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD

Philadelphia Eagles:

• Saquon Barkley: 19 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 31 yards
• Jalen Hurts: 9 carries, 62 yards
• Dallas Goedert: 4 receptions, 37 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving corps and explosive play metrics

The Buccaneers' receiving stats were heavily skewed by rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka. Targeted 10 times, Egbuka converted 4 of those into 101 yards. His 77-yard touchdown reception set a franchise mark for the most receiving yards by a player in their first four career games. The data suggests a high ceiling for Egbuka, though the 40% catch rate indicates a need for better chemistry or more accurate ball placement in contested situations. Veteran Chris Godwin, returning to the lineup, was utilized in a shorter, high-percentage role, catching 3 passes for 26 yards.

For the Eagles, the tight end position dominated the scoring stats. Dallas Goedert was the primary beneficiary of Hurts’ red-zone efficiency, catching both of the team’s passing touchdowns. Despite only recording 37 yards, Goedert’s stats illustrate his importance as a "chain-mover" and a reliable target when the field shrinks. Interestingly, the Eagles' star wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, were held to relatively quiet statistical outings, combining for only 36 receiving yards as Tampa Bay’s secondary focused on neutralizing the deep threat.

Defensive impact and pressure stats

Defense often gets lost in the box score, but specific metrics in this game were season-defining. Vita Vea was a statistical force for Tampa Bay, recording 2.0 sacks on Jalen Hurts. These sacks accounted for 18 lost yards and disrupted the Eagles' offensive rhythm in the second half. However, the Buccaneers' defense failed to record a turnover, which was the deciding factor given the offense's two giveaways.

Philadelphia’s defense relied on opportunistic plays and secondary depth. Second-year cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean combined for 7 passes defensed. Mitchell’s 5 pass breakups were a career-high and statistically significant in preventing Tampa Bay from completing their comeback. The most vital defensive stat, however, was Jihaad Campbell’s interception at the goal line, which effectively ended a high-probability scoring drive for the Buccaneers.

Special teams: Record-breaking and game-changing

Special teams statistics in this matchup were historic. Chase McLaughlin set a new Buccaneers franchise record and a league record for the longest outdoor field goal with a 65-yard conversion. He later added a 58-yarder, finishing the day as a primary source of points when the offense stalled. These long-distance metrics are rare and suggest that Tampa Bay has one of the highest-rated kicking units in the league.

Conversely, the Eagles’ special teams provided the game’s early momentum through a blocked punt. Sydney Brown’s 35-yard return for a touchdown on that play is a statistical outlier that often guarantees a win—teams that score a special teams touchdown see a significant increase in their win percentage. Additionally, Philadelphia’s punter Braden Mann had a unique statistical contribution, running out of bounds for a strategic safety in the final seconds to secure the 31-25 margin.

Tactical summary of team statistics

Analyzing the team totals provides clarity on how the game was won despite the yardage discrepancy. The Buccaneers’ 376 total yards were overshadowed by a slow start and poor special teams execution. The average starting field position for Tampa Bay was their own 22-yard line, largely due to inconsistencies in the return game and penalties.

Philadelphia’s 200 yards were sufficient because of their starting field position and 100% red-zone efficiency in the first half. They committed 8 penalties for 83 yards, a statistical weakness that allowed Tampa Bay to stay in the game, but their 28:08 time of possession was effectively used during scoring drives.

Analytical takeaways for future projections

Looking ahead, these player stats offer several key indicators for fantasy players and analysts. For Tampa Bay, the high target volume for Emeka Egbuka and the dual-threat capability of Bucky Irving suggest an offense that is becoming increasingly explosive but requires better ball security. Mayfield’s ability to generate nearly 300 yards against a top-tier defense confirms his status as a high-ceiling quarterback, even if his floor remains volatile due to interceptions.

For Philadelphia, the statistical profile shows a team that can win without massive production from its star wideouts. Their reliance on tight ends in the red zone and the rushing threat of Jalen Hurts remains their core identity. The development of their young secondary (Mitchell and DeJean) is arguably their most important defensive metric, as their ability to limit big plays despite giving up yardage has become a trademark of their defensive scheme.

As the 2026 season progresses, these specific matchups continue to serve as the benchmark for NFC contention. The statistical trends established in this Week 4 thriller—specifically Tampa Bay’s big-play reliance and Philadelphia’s gritty efficiency—will likely dictate the scouting reports for their next encounter. Understanding these numbers is essential for anyone tracking the balance of power in the NFC East and South divisions.