The stars aligned for Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium: Defeat the struggling New Orleans Saints, and they would officially claim the NFC South for the third straight year. In the process, it could add to Mayfield’s case as the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Those stars, however, dimmed immediately. The Bucs botched their chance of securing the division, falling 23-13. Looking at Mayfield’s final statistical tally, the former top pick’s critics returned to blast him.
“Crashing Back to Reality” Among Posts Directed at Baker Mayfield
Mayfield endured a slow start to begin the game. Meanwhile, Derek Carr — who’s faced his own share of harsh criticism in his career — outperformed him right away.
Two weeks ago in a game against the #Packers, Baker Mayfield had the greatest statistical performance of his NFL career (22 of 28 for 381 yards and four TDs, a perfect 158.3 passer rating).
Today … pic.twitter.com/JCgO21RXte
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) December 31, 2023
Those numbers were a part of a nightmarish first half for Mayfield. Every Buccaneer first-half drive ended in either a punt or an interception.
Mayfield managed to catch more fire in the second half. He racked up 309 yards to end the game. However, he and the Bucs found the end zone just once. Mayfield committed half of the Bucs’ four turnovers in the 10-point defeat.
The critics eventually came out. Notable Mayfield critic Cleveland Cam resurfaced, calling Sunday’s outing as Mayfield “crashing back to reality today.”
Baker Mayfield crashing back to reality today: pic.twitter.com/BHg9mz6PjP
— Cleveland Cam (@cleveland_cam) December 31, 2023
He wasn’t alone. Another Browns fan chimed in on the former Cleveland quarterback.
“Baker Mayfield is the definition of boom or bust,” the fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
A non-Browns fan then gave this perspective of Mayfield’s day.
“Baker Mayfield had over 300 yards passing but it didn’t feel like it,” the fan shared.
How Did Mayfield React to Loss and Disappointing Outing?
Along with facing criticism, Mayfield was facing soreness.
He noticeably walked out slowly into the locker room as captured by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Times. Stroud mentioned that Mayfield had been dealing with a massive hit to his ribs.
Don’t know the status of QB Baker Mayfield, who finished the game but looked VERY sore coming off the field after the roughing the passer penalty. pic.twitter.com/JZAJ8JuaNQ
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 31, 2023
Mayfield anointed the Saints as the more physical team on the field Sunday.
“They hit us right in the mouth from the get-go,” Mayfield told reporters postgame. “We needed to be the more physical team, and we weren’t today.”
Outside of being out-hit, Mayfield said the team has to execute better, but it starts with the timing of the air attack, which was off from the start.
MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart
He also stated how he believed the Bucs were prepared for this game against the Saints and had a strong week of practice. Still, the Saints re-entered the NFC South division picture by stunning the Bucs.
“I think we prepared great all week,” Mayfield said. “I think mentality-wise and preparation, we were great. We just didn’t come out and bring it to Sunday.”
Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Facing New Clinching Scenario
Again, Mayfield and the Bucs had a prime opportunity to secure the division. PFN’s NFL Playoff Predictor gave the Bucs a high 93% chance to clinch the division. At 9-7, the Bucs would’ve been assured of the NFC South’s best record and a playoff bid.
However, now the Saints have forced the division to be decided on Sunday between them and the Bucs.
Tampa can still win the NFC South, but now the Bucs must win their game next week against the Carolina Panthers. A win hands Tampa its seventh conference win, which is more than what the Saints have at 5-6 versus NFC opponents.
A loss and a Saints win over the Atlanta Falcons, however, will force Mayfield and the Bucs to watch the playoffs at home.
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