Baker Mayfield Displays Optimistic Tone Regarding Do-or-Die Matchup vs. Panthers

In the aftermath of another gut-wrenching loss, Baker Mayfield struck a notably direct and hopeful tone. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell 20-17 to the Dolphins on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in eight games and a fourth straight loss decided by four points or fewer.

As NBC Sports noted, Mayfield made it clear the season is not over. 

“This is our last chance and it’s blatantly obvious,” Mayfield said after the loss.

“There are no more regular season games on the schedule. We have this one back at home and it comes down to execution.” 

While the Bucs would have preferred to control their own destiny weeks ago, Mayfield framed the opportunity as something the team must embrace. 

Thanks to Carolina’s loss and a favorable division scenario, Tampa Bay enters Week 18 with a chance to clinch its fifth straight NFC South title by beating the Panthers at home. 

For Mayfield, the message was blunt and urgent, understanding that everything still lies ahead of them. 

Everything Still in Front of Tampa Bay

Despite the collapse over the second half of the season, Mayfield emphasized that the Bucs remain alive with everything they want still attainable.

Unless the Falcons beat the Rams tonight which is very unlikely, the math is simple: win in Week 18 and the Bucs are in. 

That reality has shaped Mayfield’s steady optimism and hope. 

“We’ve been blessed with a chance next week,” he said. “Guys need to handle it the right way.” 

Mayfield pointed to preparation and focus as the deciding factors, especially against a familiar division opponent. 

“When you know a team as well as we know the Panthers, it’s about executing your job every play,” he added. 

“It’s about beating the guy across from you and finding a way to win.” 

That mindset mirrors the message echoed by head coach Todd Bowles, who has repeatedly stressed that strong practices must finally translate into results. 

With the season on the line, Mayfield framed Week 18 not as a miracle run, but as a straightforward test of urgency and execution. 

Mayfield’s Continues to Take Accountability

Despite the message of optimism, Mayfield didn’t ignore the issues that put the Buccaneers in this position.

Tampa Bay’s recent losses have followed a familiar script: late-game breakdowns, missed opportunities, and costly turnovers.

Against Miami, those mistakes again surfaced as Mayfield threw two costly interceptions in the second half that completely changed the game. 

“Offensively, it comes back to execution,” Mayfield said.

 “We gave ourselves a fighting chance, but didn’t do enough. Those turnovers obviously crushed us.”

Over the past two months, Tampa Bay has consistently faltered in critical fourth-quarter moments, including the Week 16 loss to Carolina that set up this rematch. 

It has felt like every week the Bucs invent new ways to lose in heartbreaking fashion. 

Mayfield acknowledged that he must be better if the Bucs are going to have any chance to win. 

Through the first six weeks of the season, Mayfield has been in MVP talks.

Now, just a few months later, the media and fans are calling for the Bucs to look for new options at QB next year. 

In the last four games alone, Mayfield has thrown five interceptions and even has two games below 150 passing yards. 

Despite all the struggles and disappointments in the second half of the season for Mayfield and the Bucs, they have one last chance at redemption on Saturday night.

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