Baker Mayfield made an impressive showing in just one series during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 24-14 win over the Miami Dolphins on Friday night.
The 29-year-old quarterback, who helped the Bucs reach the playoffs last season, led his team 70 yards in seven plays after the opening kickoff. He set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Rachaad White with a 28-yard pass to rookie Jalen McMillan.
Mayfield, who did not play in Tampa Bay’s first two preseason games, completed 3 of 3 passes for 54 yards before sitting out the rest of the game as both teams focused on evaluating young players fighting for roster spots.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles had not detailed how much he would play his starters, only stating, “I’ll get them out when it’s time to get them out.”
Mayfield’s opening drive set a strong example, and the defense quickly forced a three-and-out on its only series.
“It’s good they were ready to play,” Bowles said. “They wanted to play longer, but I had seen enough.” Mayfield described the offense’s performance as “extremely efficient,” noting, “Our guys were locked in, exactly what the coach asked of them. We need to be efficient and start fast, not wait to get hit in the mouth and then figure things out.”
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also played just one series this preseason. After leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023, Tagovailoa completed all five of his passes for 51 yards and a touchdown in Miami’s second preseason game.