For Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, this was much different than last week. After playing perhaps his best game as a Buccaneer in Week 12 against the Giants, Mayfield was injured and ineffective for much of this week’s game against the Panthers, which the Bucks won. 26-23 in overtime.
And it showed.
Entering the fourth quarter, Mayfield, playing through a serious ankle injury, was 10-of-21 for 121 yards and a touchdown, with two missed interceptions and three sacks. But this was mainly his own doing.
Mayfield was trying to create from structure. That’s a lot he accomplished in his short time in Tampa Bay. And just like Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde type results. This week, Hyde returned and that led to his first interception. And thanks to his position in the most important spot on the field, the team went the same way as Mayfield, trailing 16-10 at the start of the final quarter.
But when the chips were down, they were all washed out.
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Mayfield wasn’t outstanding in the fourth quarter. The team didn’t need him.
Still, he was very capable.
Mayfield made a good decision. He put the ball where it needed to be. And on one play, when he needed to create a second reaction on a play outside of structure, he made the correct decision to scramble outside the area for a first down while stopping the clock.
Baker Mayfield was a tough leader who seemed to lead his team to victory. And sometimes that’s all you need.
In the fourth quarter and overtime, Mayfield completed 11 of 12 for 114 yards.
Baker Mayfield went 11-of-12 for 114 yards (CPOE+17.4%) in the fourth quarter and overtime. @buccaneersHe started 10 of 21 for 10 of 21 yards in the first three quarters, gaining 121 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs (CPOE -17.6%) in a come-from-behind victory over the Panthers.#TBvsCAR | #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/xsZs9wLXEC
— Next Generation Statistics (@NextGenStats) December 2, 2024
Mayfield added eight critical yards on the ground. He led the offense and found the right checkdowns. He pinpointed key third downs, including a third-and-three on the penultimate drive in regulation, when he found Mike Evans on a nine-yard slant for another set of downs.
Mayfield was gutsy, hitting Evans for 16 yards between three defenders on the game-winning drive late in regulation, then carrying the ball far enough for only Sterling Shepard to catch it on a back-toe a few plays later. He showed some pitching. -Set up a tying field goal on a back play.
Baker Mayfield in overtime
Panthers QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: USA Today
Baker Mayfield’s first throw of overtime gave a dart to rookie receiver Jalen McMillan, who was working a 22-yard seam down against a linebacker, pushing the Bucs to the plus side of the 50-yard line. He got sacked badly two plays later, but still came back on third down and found tight end Cade Otton to put the Bucs in position to make a field goal.
Then, on the final drive of the game, Mayfield hit Mike Evans for the eighth time of the night for a 21-yard score inside Carolina’s territory for another gold medal. Running back Rathard White, the Bucs’ talented offensive line and Chase “Money” McLaughlin will finish games.
But don’t get me wrong. Despite struggling along with the rest of the offense through the first three quarters, Mayfield led the way in a come-from-behind victory that put the Bucks firmly back in the playoff race.
It’s not always perfect. But Mayfield is a gamer.
And he truly embodies the “never quit” spirit that makes him Baker Mayfield. Sunday’s game against Carolina had a chance to force the struggling Falcons, but it was more than enough for the Bucs to win their second one-run lead of the season, and their first in overtime. It was a gutsy and inspiring performance late in the game from Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense. A piece that will be loved throughout the ages.
