Baker Mayfield Acknowledges O-Line’s Strength Amidst Buccaneers’ Loss to Patriots
After a tough defeat against the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield took a moment to reflect on his team’s performance. Despite the 28-23 loss marking the Buccaneers’ third setback of the season, Mayfield pointed to a silver lining, noting the resilience of his offensive line and the running game.
Game Overview and Team Performance
The Buccaneers entered Week 10 with hopes of bouncing back from their bye week, buoyed by the return of right tackle Luke Goedeke. However, from the outset, the Patriots asserted their dominance, controlling the game and seemingly on the brink of a runaway victory. The final score might suggest a close contest, but the reality was a struggle for the Buccaneers, who attempted another late-game comeback that ultimately fell short.
Mayfield, candid in his assessment, acknowledged the need for improvement but also emphasized a key takeaway from the game: the effectiveness of the offensive line and the running backs. The team managed to accumulate 113 rushing yards against one of the league’s top-ranked rushing defenses, a notable achievement in itself.
Praise for the Offensive Line
In his post-game comments, Mayfield expressed gratitude for the impact of Goedeke’s return, describing him as “an enforcer in the run game” who sets the tone for the team’s offensive approach.
“It felt really good. Obviously, getting Luke back was huge, do not get me wrong on that,” Mayfield said. “But then, after the first drive, you lose Ben Bredeson, but Michael Jordan is another guy that we have had come in there and play left guard for us and we trust. He is a physical force as well.”
The offensive line showed improved cohesion, particularly on the right side, thanks to Goedeke’s presence. However, the unexpected loss of Bredeson to a hamstring injury created challenges. Jordan stepped in admirably, and his performance could lead to increased playing time depending on Bredeson’s recovery.
Running Game Success Despite Challenges
Mayfield also recognized the contributions of running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, especially with Bucky Irving sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The offensive line’s ability to open lanes for the running backs was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing game.
Yet, while acknowledging these positives, Mayfield remained realistic about the team’s shortcomings. He noted that there are issues that still need addressing if the Buccaneers are to find success moving forward.
As the Buccaneers regroup, the resilience shown by the offensive line will be crucial as they seek to build on their strengths while rectifying areas in need of improvement.
