Baker Mayfield’s first game of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2026 season was disastrous, to say the least.
After signing the biggest contract in franchise history just days before the regular season, he faces lofty expectations to emerge as a true franchise quarterback and lead this team to winning football.
But on Sunday, Mayfield played one of the worst games as a Buccaneer. He turned the ball over three times, including once inside the five-yard line to cost Tampa Bay the game.
Baker Mayfield holds himself accountable after Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 1 loss
Mayfield spoke to reporters following his disappointing opening day performance, and he faced the music, taking full responsibility for the frustrating loss.
“This one falls on me. I think they had 17 points alone off my turnovers. Turns out to be a one-score game… It’s frustrating when you do something like that when you’re moving the ball up and down the field.”
Mayfield is right. The Buccaneers were moving the ball at will, but turnovers ultimately prevented them from capitalizing. On top of Mayfield’s three turnovers, Bucky Irving also had a costly fumble.
On a positive note, Mayfield was extremely efficient in the passing game. He finished 23-for-28 (82%) with 216 yards, while adding 30 rushing yards and a touchdown. He threw no interceptions.
Tampa Bay lost just five fumbles throughout the entirety of the 2025 season, so losing four today is certainly a bit flukey. If they can clean up the turnovers, and they will, the Bucs offense otherwise looks promising.
Mayfield spread the ball around in the passing game, with five different players having at least three receptions. In the rushing game, Bucky Irving ran for a robust 5.6 yards per carry and a touchdown.
So for as disappointing as this Week 1 loss against the Bengals was, the Buccaneers put plenty of good things on tape that they can build off of going forward.
Next up on the schedule is the home opener against the Cleveland Browns.
“Cleveland happens to be the next opponent in our home opener. Got a bad taste in our mouth and looking forward to getting it out," Mayfield said.
Mayfield already had the game against his former team circled on his calendar, and now he has even more to prove as he looks to bounce back from Sunday’s debacle and lead the Buccaneers to their first win of the new season.
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