After 6 games, when the Bucs’ record read four and two, you know Tampa was on cloud nine. And who wouldn’t? If your time comes out all guns blazing like that, you’d be in Euphoria, too (ask any Chiefs fan, at this point). But three losses in a row? That’s what you call flipping on whole happy-chappy plans. And this run has left them sitting at 4-5. What a fall from grace! But a lapse in concentration is something they can’t afford as the 49ers are knocking on their door, come week 10. So, you know Tampa’s got its hopes by relying on Baker Mayfield—the man at his peak form. And he’s got his eyes on a record. One that might bring Tom Brady’s name into the conversation.

What’s the record? You may ask. Well, see, the thing is, Baker has been a gunslinger when it has come to throwing a TD pass. Left and right. And what’s peculiar about this is that he has thrown at least two touchdowns in each of his last six games. There, you have it. That’s the record he’s after. Right now (6 games), that’s the longest streak for any QB in the league this season. If he can keep that mojo going and snag two more touchdown passes against San Francisco, he’ll tie Brady’s single-season Bucs record.

And what’s that? The GOAT had his own seven-game streak going to wrap up in 2020. But Brady being Brady, he extended into a nine-game run in early 2021. And we aren’t even talking about that. So, you know the aura Tom had. (And still do, with his brutally honest analysis on live TV)

It’s like Mayfield has taken a page out of Brady’s playbook, only he’s adding his own Baker flair to it. The guy is fearless, throwing himself into every play like he’s got nothing to lose. And now he’s got a chance to etch his name alongside the man who brought the SB to Tampa! You think Baker’s gonna let this opportunity pass? Think again.

Sure, facing the Niners won’t be a cakewalk. But if Baker stays locked in, the Bucs’ offense could seriously get back on track. I mean, his stats are wild—105.6 passer rating, 2,389 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions through 9 games this season. Not bad, right? But here’s the twist: you might notice something a little… off. An imposter, maybe. And trust me, it’s an easy guess.

Baker Mayfield’s one glaring weakness in an MVP-esque run

Baker Mayfield is not in any conversations, despite carrying that Tampa O on his back. An underrated run? I mean, let’s be real, he’s been playing at an MVP-level. You name it. Completing passes, check. Stacking up yards, check. In fact, through eight games, he’s Top 3 in completion percentage and total yards, and even leading the league in TDs (that’s 23 served right up for his receiver corps). Sounds like a man without any imperfections, right? Wrong.

Well, it’s one of those seasons when even someone like Patrick Mahomes is also coming in the firing line for underperforming by his standards. So, who’s Baker Mayfield, right? And there’s an imposter among us—amongst his glorifying numbers. Sure, Baker’s been slinging it. But those turnovers have been making things a lot harder for Tampa Bay lately. Nine? Yikes! Yup, Pat’s having the same troubles.

In the first five games, Baker had just two picks. And the Bucs? Doing good. But now? 7 INTs for their under-center hero in the last three games. And you know what’s going aloof for the team. That’s a problem. See, the number of INTs is not that much of a big deal. Don’t get me wrong, it is, but Mahomes has the same number of picks, but where are the Chiefs? Yeah, we meant the timing at which it’s stacking up for Mayfield is not helping his cause at all. Those picks always seem to come when you can least afford them.

Take week 9, for example. Two of his interceptions came inside the Falcons’ 10-yard line—one right at the start of the second half, and the other when the Bucs desperately needed a comeback. That was the momentum killer. And you know how coach Todd Bowles reacted over it. Yeah, the man was frustrated as he said: “Just understanding when we’re in scoring position, trying not to force every ball.” Sounds like smart advice, right?

Baker’s been a major reason the Bucs have been competitive this season. Clearly, as we saw above. But even he cannot hide behind the partial goodness when it comes to game-losing picks. And as simply as we can put it the turnovers are dragging them back.

But hey, Baker showed signs of fixing it against the Chiefs—200 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions (although they lost the game, that’s not on him). Call him a quick study, but if we don’t expect this from the man who’s given the onus to carry the baton after Tom Brady, then something is wrong. As the MVP debate settles in, we shall know where Baker stands. But don’t sleep on him.