TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield displayed an intense determination during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ impressive 27-19 victory against the New Orleans Saints, a win that solidified their playoff berth. In his effort to propel the Buccaneers further into the postseason, Mayfield ran for a personal-best 68 yards, threw for two touchdown passes, and ensured that wide receiver Mike Evans topped 1,000 yards in receiving without compromising the game.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles praised Mayfield’s relentless winning mentality. “He has a great instinct for recognizing when to run and navigating the rush,” Bowles stated. “He delivered crucial scrambles, particularly in the second half, which kept our drives alive.” Bowles noted that Mayfield’s determination has been evident throughout his career, from his days in high school to college, echoing his commitment to winning in every circumstance.
The Buccaneers have clinched the NFC South title for the fourth consecutive year, marking their fifth straight trip to the playoffs. Mayfield has proven himself to be a pivotal contributor since stepping into the franchise to fill the void left by Tom Brady. He now aims to secure a Super Bowl victory to mirror Brady’s accomplishments during his time with Tampa Bay. “It feels great, yet our focus extends beyond just making the playoffs,” asserted Mayfield. “Our aim is to pursue the championship. We possess a resilient team that has faced significant challenges this season, so we are prepared for what lies ahead.”
After being overlooked by three franchises, Mayfield saw a revival in his career with the Buccaneers in 2023, culminating in a standout season where he completed an impressive 71.4% of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 106.8. He made history as one of only four players in NFL history to post at least 4,000 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and a completion percentage exceeding 70%. The list is exclusive and includes notable names like Drew Brees, Joe Burrow, and Aaron Rodgers.
As the playoffs approach, attention shifts to the Buccaneers’ upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders. This game will serve as a rematch of the Week 1 encounter, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The Buccaneers’ running game has notably improved, surging from the last position in the league for two consecutive seasons to fourth overall in rushing yards for this season. Rookie Bucky Irving averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry, becoming the first Buccaneers’ rookie to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since Doug Martin in 2015. Additionally, Rachaad White contributed 613 rushing yards with an average of 4.3 yards per carry, along with Sean Tucker, who amassed 308 yards at a commendable 6.2-yard average.
However, the secondary faced challenges due to injuries, missing three starters during the game against the Saints, although they managed to tighten up in the second half. The pass rush that faltered initially contributed crucial pressure, culminating in two sacks on quarterback Spencer Rattler. If injuries persist, the Buccaneers’ front seven will need to intensify their performance to compensate.
On the positive side, rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan shone brightly, making significant contributions such as a 33-yard catch on a critical fourth down. Following a penalty for celebrating too exuberantly, he redeemed himself with a stunning 32-yard touchdown catch which secured the go-ahead score. Conversely, Rachaad White’s playing time decreased substantially, featuring in only 19 snaps without any effective carries due to penalties.
Injury updates reveal that safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee), Jordan Whitehead (auto accident), and cornerback Jamel Dean (knee) did not participate in the game against the Saints, creating concerns for the upcoming playoff match.
A notable achievement was recorded by Mike Evans, who caught a 9-yard pass during the final play, marking his 11th consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. He now ties with the legendary Jerry Rice for the most such seasons in NFL history, having achieved this feat over the entirety of his career, while Rice’s streak commenced in his second season.
As the Buccaneers prepare for a rematch against Daniels and the Commanders on Sunday night, all eyes will be on their playoff ambitions and their quest for further glory.
