Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield Battles To The End In Playoff Loss To Lions

(CTN News) – At the snap of Sunday’s Baker Mayfield NFC division-round game, 99 seconds remained. With one timeout left, the Bucs trailed by one touchdown and two points.

With the football in his hands, Baker Mayfield continued to inspire his teammates. Even though his team was 85 yards from the end zone, receiver Chris Godwin said, “we believed we could drive down, score a touchdown, and get a two-point conversion to force overtime.” I was there through it all. We made a decision.”

Linebacker Derrick Barnes intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass for tight end Cade Otton. This sealed a 31-23 Lions win at Ford Field and sending Detroit to next Sunday’s conference championship game against the 49ers.

Then, everywhere you looked, you saw proud Buccaneers with uncertain futures.

As a first-time play caller, Baker Mayfield passed for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Bucs want to extend his contract, but he’s a free agent after this season.

“I adore this group. It’s authentic,” Baker Mayfield said.

It would mean a lot to me if we were able to get this back together and get to Year 2 in the system and make significant progress. That would be great. Who knows what will happen? Let’s see how it goes. The opportunity I was given this year by this organization cannot be overstated. Thank you, so I hope it works out.”

He stood with his back to his locker. Even though Tampa Bay is the only NFL team he’s ever known, he’s not sure his next catch will be with them. My family and I love this franchise,” Evans said softly. “We’ll see.”

Taking a Styrofoam plate filled with chicken, Devin White walked to the team bus. Playing sparingly behind K.J. Britt’s 12 tackles, one of which was for loss. Britt gave a pregame speech, but White’s tackle didn’t get much attention.

Based on his lack of usage, he’ll wear another uniform next season. Lavonte David led the team in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. Following the game, he addressed the Baker Mayfield team in the locker room. Even Panthers coordinator Dave Canales, who outgained the Lions 408-391 as a first-time play-caller, is a candidate.

No one expected the Bucs to win the NFC South, let alone upset the Eagles and beat the Lions. There are just over 13 minutes left until the big game. Todd Bowles said he took away a lot of toughness from the 2023 Bucs. It’s great that they bought in with each other, and we brought our own narrative.

The outside noise didn’t matter to us. We didn’t want to be the worst team in football. We still had a chance to make it to the finals.”

A lot of fun was had by all Bucs fans. The Lions started 3-1, cratered by losing six of seven, spiked by winning six of the next seven, and then fell apart again.

A 92-yard drive ended with Baker Mayfield hitting Otton for a 2-yard touchdown pass. Rachaad White scored from 12 yards out in the third quarter. With 13:13 left, Jahmyr Gibbs put Detroit ahead with his 31-yard touchdown run after the Lions weren’t able to stop Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

Besides Evans, Mayfield’s uncertainty is just as important. As the Bucs’ quarterback moving forward, Bowles says he’s earned the job. Bowles says he’s definitely earned it. I can’t talk about that yet. Baker had a crazy year, but business is business. He’s awesome. He’s loved by the guys. We’ll see what happens.”

SEE ALSO:

Pakistan Escaped a Whitewash In The Final T20I Against New Zealand