The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 30-19 in Week 6 to take control of the top seed in the NFC playoff picture. The highlight play of the day came on a crucial 3rd-and-14, when Baker Mayfield miraculously escaped a handful of 49ers defenders and scrambled for 15 yards to convert the first down.
Mayfield's escapability has been a recurring theme throughout the season and a big part of the offense's success, especially as they deal with a flurry of injuries on the offensive line that has seen Mayfield face more pressure than he has in recent years.
Head coach Todd Bowles had the perfect reaction to Mayfield's incredible highlight play, and one that Buccaneers fans will certainly find relatable.
Bowles, in a video posted to X by the official team account, walked fans through his thought process as the play unfolded.
Todd Bowles is all of us watching this play 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Vcwwx7LWnI
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 14, 2025
"First impression was go down, tuck the ball away. you're going to get killed," said Bowles. "Then he broke out of the pocket. Okay, slide, slide, slide. Then he goes to the left, oh my God, he's getting ready to get killed, and this guy's crazy. I think he's going to make it. Great great great great great job, Baker! And then you go to the next play."
Bowles' reaction was among the most animated and excited he's been publicly since becoming the head coach of the Buccaneers. Clearly, Mayfield's MVP-caliber performance this season has Bowles fired up as he's led Tampa Bay to an NFL-best 5-1 record, tied for the best six-game start in franchise history.
If Mayfield can keep playing at such a high level and making plays like this, Bowles might have a hard time keeping his usual poker face, as his stoic nature gives way to the excitement of a Bucs team hitting its stride.