Baker Mayfield’s postseason journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended in heartbreak after a narrow 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders on Wild Card Weekend. The scene at Raymond James Stadium captured the weight of the moment, with Mayfield sitting on the bench, head down, replaying the game’s decisive moments before he gave his emotional thoughts on it.
Baker Mayfield Had Emotional Reaction to Wild Card Loss
The Bucs clung to a 17-13 lead before the offense faltered on a jet sweep attempt. Mayfield’s botched handoff to receiver Jalen McMillan turned into a costly fumble, giving the Commanders prime field position at Tampa Bay’s 13-yard line.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner recovered the ball, and moments later, Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels capitalized with a touchdown pass to put the Commanders up 20-17.
“That falls on me,” Mayfield said, taking responsibility for the mishap. “The defense had just done a hell of a job getting us the ball. It’s unfortunate.”
More Bucs postgame quotes. "That falls on me," Baker Mayfield said of the late fumble on the bad exchange on a jet sweep to Jalen McMillan. Said it wasn't timed up correctly, first time all season, but costly for when and where it happened, he said.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 13, 2025
A tweet highlighted how his four words gave the much-needed closure to their fans. Despite the setback, Mayfield didn’t leave hope, leading the Bucs downfield to set up Chase McLaughlin’s 32-yard field goal that tied the game.
However, Washington’s offense ate up the final 4:41 of the clock, and Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal, which kissed the upright before going in, sealed Tampa Bay’s fate.
The loss stung, especially given the Bucs’ regular-season turnaround. After a mid-season slump, Tampa Bay rallied to win six of its final seven games and secured its fourth consecutive NFC South title.
Mayfield, who completed 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, praised the team’s strength throughout the year.
“It’s disappointing because I believe in this team,” Mayfield said. “There’s a lot to be proud of. But in this moment, that’s hard to see.”
Head coach Todd Bowles had a similar view, emphasizing that critical mistakes proved too costly while the effort was exerted.
“You can’t give up field position like that and expect to win,” Bowles noted via Fox 13 News. “We had our chances but didn’t capitalize.”
The game marked a frustrating end to what had been a promising season. Tampa Bay’s defense delivered big stops, and the offense had its own high points, but missed opportunities left the team short of their playoff aspirations.
As the Commanders move on to face the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, the Bucs are left pondering what could have been. However, the loss is a bitter reminder for Mayfield that fine margins in the NFL can make a big difference in the end.