Quarterback Baker Mayfield took accountability for a disappointing efficiency Sunday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who fell to 3-3 with a 16-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
“Offensively, we now have to be higher, and I will put on that for us,” Mayfield informed reporters afterward. “That is my job as a QB and a pacesetter of this offense, to push these guys to complete these drives, not have these penalties and ensure that we’re serving to our protection out.”
Tampa Bay’s offense, which has one landing prior to now two video games, regarded sluggish. Mayfield tallied 307 complete yards, together with a 40-yard TD to WR Mike Evans, however threw a vital interception late within the sport.
“At that time within the sport, [I] cannot flip the ball over within the purple zone. It is a important one which took factors off the board, and that is utterly on me,” Mayfield mentioned.Â
The interception was his fault, however the blame should not all be thrown on Mayfield. The Bucs’ working sport, basically nonexistent, is holding the crew again from being a playoff contender within the weak NFC South. Tampa Bay had solely 73 yards dashing towards Atlanta (4-3) — 32 by Mayfield.
After ending final within the NFL in dashing yards (1,308) in 2022, the Bucs as soon as once more discover themselves close to the underside this season at thirtieth (467), forward of solely the Bengals (419) and Vikings (450), per StatMuse.
With no dashing menace, Mayfield is frequently pressured into having to make performs. This is just too a lot to ask from a QB, particularly one who has struggled with turnovers all through his profession.
With the NFC South nonetheless up for grabs, it is crucial the Bucs repair this drawback ASAP. One thing should change whether or not it is a new offensive scheme, beefing up the offensive line, or buying and selling for Titans RB Derrick Henry.
