![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240108-WA0004-2.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is forced out of the pocket during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240108-WA0004-2.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is forced out of the pocket during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers crumbled in the face of adversity, and it only took one quarter for the Lions to get the best of the Bucs. Till the 3 quarter, the Bucs were tied with the Detroit Lions, but it all changed when Jahmyr Gibbs decided to retaliate in the last quarter with a 31-yard TD run. However, for Baker Mayfield, something else was the problem all along.
The Bucs QB came to the post-game presser to talk about what happened and why he thinks that the team collapsed. Per him, the team had some issues with executing the plays. However, he mentioned that he did feel like the game could have been managed better on the team’s part.
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The Bucs QB was asked about how close the game felt till the last drive of the possession and the reporter wanted to know what led to the point of loss.
“It felt like we were in it. Going into the halftime obviously even game, uh and we felt like we were in it up until the last drive and so yeah, I mean, it sucks. I feel like my heart just got ripped out” said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB. He also pointed out how he couldn’t manage four drives in two minutes and how “taking care of the ball” became a persistent problem and was a “bad mistake”.
The two interceptions that Mayfield threw, in the first quarter and in the last, ended up costing the Buccaneers a spot for an NFL Conference championship. Though Mayfield was 26 of 41, passed for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns, again registering a record Tom Brady couldn’t establish, he might be remembered by the people as “the guy who threw two picks in a playoff game”.
What led to the collapse of Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff dreams?
A lot of this has to do with the two picks Mayfield threw. The first pick came in the first quarter when Mayfield threw the ball, and it was deflected by a player in Bucs’ jersey and went straight to the hands of CJ Gardner Johnson who went to Tampa Bay’s 40 after the interception. However, that didn’t stop there.
Former Eagle Cj Gardner Johnson with the interception off Baker Mayfield after he trash talked Baker this week.
pic.twitter.com/kj2IF1TJgt— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 21, 2024
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Mayfield threw another pick in the 4 quarter when the score was 23-31 in Lions favor. It was Lions 2 and 5 when Mayfield threw another pass, but it was picked by the Lions LB Derrick Barnes. That pick basically sealed the fate of the Buccaneers and helped the Lions to progress in a conference championship game for the first time in 32 years.
BAKER MAYFIELD INTERCEPTION!!!
The Detroit Lions advance to the NFC Championship!pic.twitter.com/3L3t53z9q9
— Savage (@SavageSports_) January 21, 2024
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The game will take place on January 29 at Levi’s Stadium.
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