The Bucks hope to quickly forget Sunday night’s 26-24 loss to the Cowboys. There’s no time to think as the focus has to shift to the final two games of the regular season against the Panthers and Saints.
If they don’t win each game, they risk missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke after the game about where his head was after the loss.
Baker Mayfield talks about the Bucs’ offensive play
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield and RB Rathard White – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Baker Mayfield had an up-and-down game in his home state of Texas. Mayfield’s 31-of-43 passing performance and 303 passing yards looked pretty good, but much of that performance was due to the Bucs losing in the fourth quarter. He was efficient when playing in a quick passing game, but when he held the ball for long periods of time it was a different story. As Pewter Report’s Josh Quaipo pointed out,.
In that regard, this wasn’t his best performance, as he couldn’t get the ball out early, leading to sacks and pressures that the offense ultimately couldn’t overcome. After the game, Mayfield talked about the unit’s play at AT&T Stadium, starting with wide receiver.
When Sterling Shepard left with a hamstring injury, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan became the main targets, replaced by Trey Palmer and Ryan Miller.
“They stepped up big,” Mayfield said of the wide receivers. “I say that because there were a lot of situations where you lined up quickly, within two minutes, and the players had to understand what they were doing. We executed the part really, really well.”
Miller’s touchdown with 2:36 left in the fourth quarter kept the Bucs’ hopes alive, with a nine-play, 87-yard drive that resulted in a no-huddle offense. Mayfield completed passes to six different players on that drive, but only one to star wideout Mike Evans. Evans, coming off his best game of the year, was neutralized by cornerback Daron Brand and the Cowboys’ defense. He gained 69 receiving yards on five catches, not satisfied with the way the team is doing.
Bucks WR Mike Evans and Cowboys CB Daron Brand – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“They covered him on some shots,” Mayfield said of Evans not having a big game. “Some of the explosive plays down the field that we tried to dial up for him, he covered pretty well. Obviously, he caught the one-on-one go ball really well early in the game. But yeah, they did a typical — that’s what teams do — roll the safety over the top, try to push him up a little bit, take two guys and try to take him away. ”
Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, back on the offensive line, did a great job opposite Micah Parsons. They held out for the most part, but Mayfield admitted he couldn’t get the ball out fast enough to avoid getting sacked four times.
“I thought they did a great job,” Mayfield said. “So, on that last play, they had a good blitz look, they brought the safety down, they got us into certain calls, and then on the last play, they got that guy from the other side. I brought. [Mike] Zimmer has been asking for that defense for a long time and I think he set it up for that drive. They handled it really well for the most part and I just had to get the ball out of my hands. ”
Still, even though it wasn’t their best game, the offense had a chance to win after the defense forced a three-and-out. It didn’t come to fruition as running back Rathard White fumbled as Mayfield found himself under pressure, but the team didn’t give up even though the first 55 minutes of the game didn’t go their way. Ta.
“I’ve always said that,” Mayfield added. “This group isn’t going to quit, and if someone does, I’m going to be blamed. That’s the standard we tried and set. If we had dealt with it early in the game, we would have been able to avoid situations like that. It’s a good thing you didn’t have to fall for it, but later in the game when you try to do it, little things can cause you to do it. [to give] We have a chance for ourselves. Our defense gave us a chance, so we just have to execute. ”
Baker Mayfield says Bucks’ leaders need to step up
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of USA Today
The Bucks are currently in the “homestretch” with two home games left until the end of the regular season. Even with a loss, Tampa Bay still has a path to the playoffs. they can no longer control their destiny As they did.
Loses often produce the best lessons, but what did Baker Mayfield learn from Sunday night’s loss at Dallas?
“I didn’t learn anything new about this fight,” Mayfield said. “It was never a question. For me, it’s the next person mentality. The whole thing is about the ball. Everybody needs to learn that. It’s clear, I know. With both hands. Even when I have it, being overprotective starts with me.”
For the next two weeks, Mayfield and the rest of the team have only one thing in mind.
“We’re in playoff mode,” Mayfield added. “We have to take care of business or we don’t have a chance. We have to take this on the chin. It’s a short week, Christmas week, so we’re focused on Carolina and finding a way to win.” I have to.”
Now is the time the Bucks need him and the rest of their captains to lead the way.
“Leaders have to step up,” Mayfield said. “Young guys have to move on. Learn from this and Carolina is next.”
