TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has led the Bucs to four wins in a row, first place in the NFC South, and now NFL Player of the Week after putting up 40 points Sunday against the Chargers, throwing four touchdowns. Mayfield hit the 30-touchdown mark on the season as well.
“We got a win, that’s meaningful,” Mayfield said.
Media recognition is pouring in, from the popular Pat McAfee Show on ESPN to almost all of the national outlets. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said it won’t go to their heads since there are so many sarcastic coaches and players that take care of any ego’s that get out of control. Mayfield agrees.
“You’ve got to have thick skin to be around this group,” Mayfield said. “Anybody can get it anytime. The best part about the group? You have a good game? Move on. Go do it again.”
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Mayfield has been an ironman this season, starting all 14 games for the Bucs. He’s completing passes at a 70 percent clip, good for 3,617 yards, 32 touchdowns and 14 picks with a 104.1 passer rating.
The reason for the accolades was what Mayfield and Company were able to do against a good Chargers defense.
“He (Mayfield) was just focused and locked in,” Bowles said. “As a group we locked in. Tried to do the things that he does well and he locked in and just read the defense and took. what they gave him.”
Mayfield has said since day 1 of the offseason it’s all about going further than they did last year. It’s the tightest team he’s ever been on and they have to continue to take it one game at a time.
The Bucs face the Dallas Cowboys on the road Sunday Night. Mayfield said he’s looking forward to another opportunity to get close to clinching a playoff spot. Mayfield doesn’t get caught up in the hype of playing on Sunday Night, being the only NFL game on at that time.
“I really don’t care,” Mayfield said about all eyes on their game. “I don’t like waiting around all day. I’d rather play earlier. But it’s the next opportunity. I get juiced up for that no matter what.”
Mayfield is nursing a knee injury but all indications are he’ll be ready to go against the Cowboys Sunday Night.
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