My mantra all year long is “Let the baker bake it.” So the last time he got to see Baker Mayfield play this season, he did just that. Baker Mayfield capped off a great season by winning Offensive MVP of the Pro Bowl and winning the final award.
At the Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida, the NFC defeated the AFC by a score of 64-59 in a close and exciting game. Mayfield was named Offensive MVP, but Demario Davis of the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints won Defensive MVP.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield at the 2024 Pro Bowl – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Baker Mayfield’s performance at the Pro Bowl
Before the game started, NFC coach Eli Manning said Baker Mayfield would end the game in the fourth quarter. Mayfield finally came on late in the third quarter and scored on two of his three drives in the game.
On his first drive with the NFC, Mayfield completed several passes down the field before connecting on a touchdown pass to Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. If you’re having a sense of deja vu, it’s because Mayfield and Lamb were teammates together at the University of Oklahoma, where Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy.
During the match, Mayfield naturally looked toward Lamb. In the extra point, Mayfield scored from Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, giving the NFC a 55-53 lead over the AFC.
NFC and Baker Mayfield’s second drive took much faster. Specifically, it took just three plays. The game started with Mayfield completing a pass to Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, completing a catch-and-run for a big gain and setting up the NFC near the 4-yard line.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield in the 2024 Pro Bowl. Photo credit: Adam Slivon/PR
Rams wideout Puka Nacua next had a short completion in his first at-bat and a touchdown pass to Lions running back Jahmil Gibbs. For some reason, Baker Mayfield was in sync with many of Detroit’s skill players. A two-point conversion attempt to Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf failed, but the NFC led 64-59.
Comical finish
Baker Mayfield’s final drive ended in an interception, which wasn’t his fault, but comedy ensued before and along the way. At No. 4 and short midfield, Mayfield, with the NFC looking to end the game, eventually scrambled for a long gain, but was penalized at the flag guard at the end. Mayfield complained to the referee, yelling, “Flag guard? Are you kidding me?” Showing off his trademark competitiveness.
Baker was penalized for guarding the flag during a scramble on the third drive.
He yells, “Are you kidding me, protecting the flag?”
Always competing 😂#backs #probowl
— Matt Matera (@matty4_matera) February 4, 2024
A few plays later, after the ball hit Amon-Ra St. Brown’s hand, Mayfield was intercepted by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who easily scored. Fortunately, the NFC defense was able to make a stop at the end, giving the NFC and Eli Manning a win over the AFC and Peyton Manning for the second year in a row. His first two drives were enough to give Baker Mayfield MVP honors.
This has been a career year for Baker Mayfield. as he saw He had a career-high 4,0444 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He has earned multiple awards and honors including PWFA’s Most Improved Player, “NVP” awarded by Nickelodeon, Pro Bowl Alternate Player, and now Pro Bowl MVP. He has been nominated for Comeback Player of the Year, so he might win another award.
This was a great experience for free agent Baker Mayfield as he is expected to receive a salary upgrade this offseason. Many teams are pursuing him and Bucs fans hope he returns to Tampa Bay.
