In the last few years, the league has been aggressive in its approach to players’ safety. Each game tape is reviewed by the NFL team, which then punishes the players who put others at risk. While the Buccaneers prepare for their wildcard playoff game against the Commanders, they have received bad news. Baker Mayfield would definitely be interested in it.

During the season ender against the NO Saints, the Bucs RG Zach Mouch committed an Unnecessary Roughness penalty (striking/kicking/kneeing). It happened on the 3rd & 6 plays at the 13:29 mark in the 3rd quarter. The team had a 5-man rush. But Mouch tackled the Saints’ LB Demario Davis, allowing Mayfield to break through the pocket and complete a 10-yard rush. The league also fined the linebacker $9,451.

The referees didn’t give a flag as too many players assembled in the pocket. Overall, the drive was successful for the Bucs who went on to score a touchdown. The Saints badly wanted a victory but failed. So, they finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, their worst record since 2008. On the other side, The Bucs became the only team from the NFC South to qualify for the playoffs as the 2nd placed Falcons only had 8 wins.

As Baker Mayfield’s protector, Mouch has done a great job. He started all 17 games for the Buccaneers in the 2024 season, recording 1133 snaps. His game also showed massive improvement with only 2 penalties before this fine, compared to 4 penalties in the 2023 season. Zach Mouch is a tough player. Fans love his smirk that shows the missing 2 teeth, which were knocked out while playing in a middle school basketball game.

While the news will have a financial loss, the Bucs are more concerned about their playoff game. A regular in playoffs since 2020, they haven’t won Super Bowl after 2020. They would like to change that this year.

Can Baker Mayfield take the Buccaneers to the Super Bowl?

The game is scheduled at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida on Sunday, 12th of January, at 8:00 p.m. EST. And the home team has the upper hand with a 2-1 record against the Commanders. In 2021, the Bucs defeated the Commanders in the wildcard game by 31-23. Additionally, they have more crowd support on their base.

However, Jayden Daniels has shown resiliency at times. Barring the exception of the season opener loss with 17 points against the Bucs by 20-37, they didn’t lose any game with more than 18 points. And they lost only 5 games. So, the Commanders will also come prepared.

Overall, Baker Mayfield has performed better. He completed 407 of 570 passes (71.4% completion rate) in 4500 passing yards with 41 TDs and 12 interceptions. Daniels completed 331 of 480 passes (68.9% completion rate) in 3,568 yards with 25 TDs and 9 interceptions. But the Bucs lost 7 games. However, they are also tough with 2 losses coming in the overtime.

Can they go all the way? The game will be exciting. Sundays are going to be a lot more pumped up.