Baker Mayfield’s inconsistent play is threatening to undermine the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ strong defensive season (Getty Images)
Tampa Bay has gained 2,752 total yards, with 1,475 coming on the ground and just 1,277 through the air. Through six games, he had thrown for 922 yards, with three touchdown passes and four interceptions. Mayfield threw for 243 yards, his season high, but his two interceptions proved costly.
Three lost fumbles pushed his turnover total to seven, leaving the Buccaneers with more giveaways than touchdown passes from their starting quarterback. The offense, however, has struggled to match that standard. That passing total ranks last in the league. Mayfield’s production has also fallen well short of expectations. The Chicago game offered a particularly frustrating example. One was returned for a touchdown shortly after Tampa Bay’s defense had intercepted Williams in Chicago territory. Instead of using that defensive stop to seize control, the Buccaneers gave the Bears points.
Tampa Bay’s 27-24 loss to the Chicago Bears exposed a problem the Buccaneers can no longer afford to overlook. The Buccaneers are now 3-6, despite defensive numbers that suggest they should be in a much better position. Since Week 3, the Buccaneers have ranked first in the NFL in defensive expected points added per play, according to The Athletic. They have also allowed just 213.8 yards per game, the league’s 10th-best mark, while leading the NFL with 16 interceptions. Opponents have scored only 12 touchdowns against the defense this season.
Baker Mayfield’s recent struggles have raised an uncomfortable question for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: how much longer can their defense carry the team if the offense continues to fall short? Tampa Bay has the defensive talent to compete with the NFL’s best, but that advantage means little if the offense keeps giving opponents extra opportunities. Mayfield remains central to the team’s plans, yet his decision-making and inconsistency could turn a major strength into a wasted opportunity. For a team with serious ambitions, the quarterback’s problems need attention before they become harder to fix. Their defense forced five turnovers, including four interceptions of Caleb Williams , yet the team still left Chicago without a win. Mayfield threw two interceptions and failed to record a touchdown pass, turning a strong defensive performance into another missed opportunity. With the NFC South still within reach, Tampa Bay needs its quarterback to protect the team’s biggest advantage rather than make life harder for the defense. The contrast between Tampa Bay’s defense and offense has become difficult to ignore. Those numbers point to a unit doing enough to keep the team competitive. Still, placing all the blame on Mayfield would overlook two important issues. The offensive line has struggled to protect him, and no receiver has firmly taken over as the team’s leading target since Mike Evans left for San Francisco. Mayfield also needs to improve his reads. Opponents have found opportunities when he locks onto his first option, a habit that contributed to his interceptions against Chicago.