Baker Mayfield Delivers Productive Performance in Buccaneers' High-Scoring Loss

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a productive afternoon in Sunday's 44-32 loss to the Bills, completing 16 of 28 passes for 173 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while also adding 39 rushing yards and another score on five carries, despite losing a fumble. Mayfield resurrected his career last season (2024) with personal bests of 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs. He signed a three-year, $50 million guaranteed deal in March, with new offensive coordinator Liam Coen expected to install a Sean McVay-derived offense. His career has seen significant fluctuations, from a promising rookie year in Cleveland (2018) where he excelled under OC Freddie Kitchens, to struggles in 2019 and 2021 (playing through a torn labrum), and a brief stint with the Rams in 2022. He was named the Week 1 starter for Tampa Bay in 2023.