Baker Mayfield is coming off a career year in 2024.
He set career highs in completions (407), completion percentage (71.4), passer rating (106.8), passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41).
But Mayfield was also atop the league in turnovers. He tied with Kirk Cousins for the most interceptions (16) and also tied with Cousins for the most fumbles (13).
Cutting down on turnovers has been a focal point for Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense entering 2025. But so far in training camp, Tampa Bay’s defense has taken advantage and created plenty of takeaways.
JoeBucsFan.com was on-site for the team’s indoor practice earlier this week, where Mayfield had his roughest outing of camp so far.
“Mayfield was 5-for-16 with 2 interceptions. One was an underthrown ball to Jalen McMillan, snagged by Benjamin Morrison, and one was in the back right corner of the end zone, a slightly underthrown pass intended for Emeka Egbuka and beautifully picked off by cornerback Bryce Hall,” the site reported.
So, should the Buccaneers be concerned about Mayfield’s turnovers in practice? The short answer is no.
Mayfield has earned the benefit of the doubt. He leads the NFL in touchdown passes over the last two seasons and has led Tampa Bay to back-to-back NFC South titles.
The turnovers aren’t ideal, but at this point, they might just be a part of Mayfield’s game. He’s a true gunslinger. Live by the sword, die by the sword — and Mayfield is one of the most aggressive and fearless quarterbacks in the league.
That mindset is what’s made him one of the NFL’s most productive passers since arriving in Tampa Bay, and what’s endeared him to the Buccaneers locker room and fan base.
Training camp is the right place to take risks. It gives Mayfield the chance to challenge defenders and give his playmakers opportunities to make plays.
Perhaps instead of a bad sign for the offense, the turnovers could be viewed as a positive sign for the new-look defense.
Tampa Bay’s defense came up with just seven interceptions last season, ranking in the bottom five of the league. Only the Browns, Giants and Jaguars had fewer.
So far, the revamped defensive unit has been flying around and making plays. If that continues, Mayfield’s training camp turnovers might end up being a good sign for the other side of the ball.