Baker Mayfield Takes Blame for 'Dumb Stuff' in Bucs' NFL Playoff Loss vs. Commanders

Baker Mayfield shouldered the blame for a fumble in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 23-20 loss against the Washington Commanders, as he was attempting to hand the ball off to wide receiver Jalen McMillan on a jet sweep.

The Commanders promptly scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession.

"That comes back to me, just timing it up correctly," Mayfield told reporters. "First one all year that it happened on. So obviously the timing of it not great, being backed up. Defense had done a hell of a job getting us the ball, another fourth-down stop and yeah, unfortunate, but that falls on me."

"Just some dumb stuff today that cost the team," he added. "That's going to wear on me for a while."

The Bucs wouldn't have been in position to even host a playoff game this season if it weren't for Mayfield's fantastic season, of course. The veteran quarterback continued his career glow-up in 2024, throwing for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions while completing 71.4 percent of his passes and taking 40 sacks.

He's had a career resurgence in Tampa Bay, leading the team to a second straight postseason. This year's Wild Card Round didn't go to plan, but Mayfield still has the Buccaneers on the right path.