Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield throws himself under the bus

By Max Steele | Last updated 10/23/23

Quarterback Baker Mayfield took responsibility for a disappointing performance Sunday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who fell to 3-3 with a 16-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

"Offensively, we have to be better, and I'm going to wear that for us," Mayfield told reporters afterward. "That's my job as a QB and a leader of this offense, to push these guys to finish these drives, not have these penalties and make sure that we're helping our defense out."

#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield credits the defense for keeping them in the game while saying he has to do a better job as the leader of the offense to finish drives. pic.twitter.com/rs1GZOujwi
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) October 22, 2023

Tampa Bay's offense, which has one touchdown in the past two games, looked sluggish. Mayfield tallied 307 total yards, including a 40-yard TD to WR Mike Evans, but threw a crucial interception late in the game.

"At that point in the game, [I] can't turn the ball over in the red zone. It's a critical one that took points off the board, and that's completely on me," Mayfield said.

FIRE US UP, @rgrant1525

FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4T07ijmNlb
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 22, 2023

The interception was his fault, but the blame shouldn't all be thrown on Mayfield. The Bucs' running game, essentially nonexistent, is holding the team back from being a playoff contender in the weak NFC South. Tampa Bay had only 73 yards rushing against Atlanta (4-3) — 32 by Mayfield.

After finishing last in the NFL in rushing yards (1,308) in 2022, the Bucs once again find themselves near the bottom this season at 30th (467), ahead of only the Bengals (419) and Vikings (450), per StatMuse.

Without a rushing threat, Mayfield is continually pressured into having to make plays. This is simply too much to ask from a QB, especially one who has struggled with turnovers throughout his career.

With the NFC South still up for grabs, it's imperative the Bucs fix this problem ASAP. Something must change whether it's a new offensive scheme, beefing up the offensive line, or trading for Titans RB Derrick Henry.

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