2023 was a breakthrough year for Baker Mayfield. He had more than 4000+ yards with 28 touchdowns—a career high. However, this year is going on a slightly lower progress. After 7 weeks, the team is doing okayish with 4-3 win-loss record. But their 31-41 loss in week 7 against Ravens has opened the doors of criticism. Who’s being blamed? None other than the quarterback.

While talking on the Ben Maller Show on 22nd of October, 2024, Ben Maller took shots at Baker Mayfield and said, “It certainly appears that what I’m watching from Baker Mayfield recently is a regression in front of my face, in front of my schnoz. Am I the only one seeing this? Am I the only person seeing a Baker Mayfield regression?” Is it really the case?

The seasoned signal caller has been performing worse than Deshaun Watson in one stat. Interceptions! While the Browns QB has 3 interceptions in 7 games, the Buccaneers QB has 7 interceptions in the same number of games. That’s pretty alarming. However, if we compare other stats, it seems a bit of a far-fetched theory.

Though the Bucs are not where they would have liked, they are still solid with 4-3 record. Baker Mayfield has 165 of 234 passes (70.5% completion) with 1,859 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Browns are struggling way more with 1-6 win-loss record. Watson has 137 of 216 passes (63.4% completion) with 1,148 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, we agree that the Bucs need to work on the dipping form of their QB.

Head coach Todd Bowles and the signal caller have a lot to work upon after the week 7 game against Ravens. Their key players are dealing with injuries.

Baker Mayfield looking beyond Chris Godwin’s injury

While the quarterback gave a good performance against Ravens with 31 of 45 passes with 370 yards and 3 touchdowns, they suffered setbacks in the wide receiver department. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are injured now. And it’s safe to say that Bowles and Mayfield are scratching their heads.

During the post-game conference, the QB started on an emotional note and called both of them ‘heartbeats‘ of the locker room. However, he soon got into the leadership mode and asked his players to step up. While talking about the future, he said, “It’s a short week and we play Atlanta for first place in the division (next game). Guys have to step up. It’s the nature of this business. It sucks. I’m going to think about Chris and Mike for a while.”

There are 5 options left with the coach now. First, he had to dive deep and check the injury status of Kameron Johnson and Rakim Jarrett. Both of them are on Injured Reserve list. The other 3 receivers are Marquez Callaway, Tanner Knue, and Ryan Miller. What would be the next course of action for the Bucs? Baker Mayfield has to choose his players carefully.