Fresh off a 30-12 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Christmas Eve, marking their fourth consecutive win, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed his satisfaction with the team’s rapidly improving offense, which has averaged 31 points per game over the past three weeks. Reflecting on the team’s recent success, Mayfield remarked, “It’s a hell of a lot better than the last five years. I can say that.”
Mayfield’s stellar performance included 283 passing yards and three touchdowns, propelling the Buccaneers to an 8-7 record and placing them one victory away from securing an NFC South title. This unexpected turn of events adds an exciting twist to Mayfield’s career, which saw him play for four different teams in the last calendar year, culminating in a one-year, prove-it signing with the Buccaneers last offseason. Both the team, striving to fill the void left by Tom Brady, and Mayfield, eager to revive his once-promising career, seem to be emerging as big winners.
Expressing his desire to continue with the Buccaneers, Mayfield praised the city, the team, and the organization. However, discussions about a contract extension have not taken place yet, according to sources. Mayfield acknowledged the importance of winning games and hinted that contract discussions would likely happen after the season.
Coach Todd Bowles commended Mayfield’s outstanding performance, especially in December, emphasizing the significance of a quarterback playing well during a crucial period in the season. Mayfield’s connection with receiver Mike Evans has been a highlight throughout the season, and against the Jaguars, seven different receiving targets caught passes, showcasing the quarterback’s growing comfort in airing out the ball.
The defense, operating at full strength, delivered one of its best performances of the season. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. achieved a rare feat by recording a sack, interception, and a fumble recovery in a single game, while rookie outside linebacker YaYa Diaby stood out with 1.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Inside linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David also made impactful contributions.
With the Buccaneers’ playoff chances dramatically improving from 23% to 84%, they now have a strong opportunity to not only secure a playoff spot but also clinch the NFC South title. A potential division-clinching game awaits against the New Orleans Saints, and due to the Saints’ recent loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Buccaneers only need to win one of their remaining games to seal the division. Mayfield emphasized the team’s strong focus on closing out the season, starting with the upcoming game against the Saints.
While Mayfield admitted to breaking his own rule by asking Santa Claus for a win, he expressed gratitude for the victory and looked forward to another one. Coach Bowles, equally pleased with the team’s performance, humorously stated that it’s shaping up to be a “great Christmas” and joked about avoiding cookies to stay focused on the team’s success.
