As the NFL season heats up, tensions rise, and struggles surface. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady shares his expert analysis on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ recent setback. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield’s resilience is put to the test as he navigates the challenges of leading the Bucs. Can Tampa Bay bounce back from their crushing loss in week 3?

Tom Brady didn’t mince words when reflecting on Baker Mayfield’s rough outing against the Broncos, where the Bucs’ QB was sacked seven times in a crushing loss. While Brady praised Mayfield’s efforts, saying he’s “done a great job this season,” he couldn’t overlook the offensive line’s struggles. “It’s hard to win games when you’re doing that,” Brady remarked, highlighting how tough it is to come out on top with that many sacks. He pointed out that Baker, ever the teammate, took some blame for holding onto the ball a little too long.

However, Brady wasn’t letting the offensive line off the hook. He emphasized that, while Mayfield could make quicker decisions under pressure, it’s ultimately up to the line to protect their quarterback. “You still gotta make good decisions back there,” Brady said, but noted it’s hard to do when the defense is constantly collapsing the pocket. As Tampa looks ahead, Brady’s words make it clear: if the line doesn’t improve, the team’s struggles will continue.

Further Brady also hinted at Mayfield trying to cover for the O-line’s poor performance, as Baker took responsibility for the sacks. But the GOAT didn’t seem convinced. “He’s making plays when the ball’s in his hand and nobody’s open,” Brady added, subtly acknowledging Mayfield’s struggle against a weak protection unit.

The Bucs legend also pointed out that Baker’s decision-making under pressure was crucial, but the lack of offensive line support made it an uphill battle. “You still gotta make good decisions… but this defensive front, they’re going to put a lot of heat on Baker today,” Brady warned, clearly not impressed with the protection the 29-year-old’s been getting.

Broncos dominate Bucs: Bo Nix Shines while Mayfield struggles under pressure

Last Sunday, the Broncos earned their first win of the 2024 season with a commanding 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Denver set the tone early, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, thanks to a big defensive play from safety Brandon Jones, who intercepted Baker Mayfield and returned it 37 yards, setting up a crucial fourth-and-goal touchdown by Jaleel McLaughlin.

Broncos QB Bo Nix showcased his dual-threat ability, going 18-of-23 for 169 yards while adding a few key runs, including a 22-yard scramble. Nix led the offense efficiently, capping his first drive with a touchdown and finishing with a solid 97.3 QB rating.

The real star, though, was Denver’s defense, which sacked Mayfield seven times, completely disrupting Tampa’s passing game. Dondrea Tillman grabbed his first two NFL sacks, while Jones continued to wreak havoc with a fumble recovery later in the game.

Baker Mayfield, despite completing 25-of-33 passes for 163 yards, struggled to move the ball and was often under siege. Chris Godwin managed to find the end zone for Tampa, marking his third consecutive game with a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

While Denver secured their first win, Tampa’s offensive line woes were glaring. The Buccaneers now sit at 2-1, still tied for first in the NFC South, but their inability to protect Mayfield raises serious concerns moving forward.