Todd Bowles gives up on tight end Baker Mayfield after Buccaneers’ playoff exit

In the period after The Tampa Bay Buccaneers narrowly lost in the playoffs 23-20 to the Washington Commandershead coach Todd Bowles he had nothing but praise for your quarterback, Baker Mayfield. Despite the season-ending loss, Bowles emphasized Mayfield’s importance to Tampa Bay’s playoff run.

“We wouldn’t be here without Baker Mayfield,” Bowles said, as reported by Scott Smith on X, formerly Twitter.

The statement encapsulated the faith Bowles and the organization placed in Mayfield, who helped the Bucs win the NFC South title. However, the loss to the Commanders served as a bitter reminder of the fine margins in playoff football.

Mayfield showed flashes of brilliance throughout the game, including a key play late in the first half that led to a Mike Evans layup, tying the game at 10-10. His physical run earlier in the drive illustrated the toughness and grit that defined Mayfield’s career, even as he faced numerous setbacks.

Baker Mayfield was a game changer for the Buccaneers

But the second half unraveled due to critical errors. In a streak from the fourth quarter, botched exchange between Mayfield and rookie wide receiver Jaylen McMillan it resulted in a fumble at a crucial moment. Washington recovered the ball at the Bucs’ 13-yard line, setting up the momentum-changing touchdown. Mayfield was visibly frustrated, hitting the ground after the turnover.

“That was on me,” Mayfield said after the game, acknowledging the costly miscommunication.

However, the Buccaneers had opportunities to rally. Mayfield led a drive that culminated in a field goal to tie the game at 20-20, but another mistake—failed recording by rookie center Graham Barton—halted their progress on an earlier possession. A field goal instead of a touchdown proved costly.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Commanders rookie quarterback Jaiden Daniels showed remarkable poise, leading the game-winning drive with just over four minutes remaining. Daniels made several critical passes, including a clutch throw to Dyami Brown and an outstanding pass to Austin Ekeler that set up Zane Gonzalez’s 33-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Buccaneers’ self-inflicted wounds — penalties, missed defensive opportunities and costly turnovers — ended up overshadowing the resilience they had displayed all season. Despite Mayfield’s leadership, Tampa Bay fell short, marking another disappointing playoff exit.

Looking ahead, the Buccaneers face decisions in the offseason, including evaluating their quarterback, while Mayfield’s future is unclear. However, Bowles’ words served as a testament to the impact Mayfield had on the season.

As the Chiefs move on to face the top-seeded Detroit Lions, the Buccaneers are left to ponder what might have been, with Mayfield both a symbol of their resilience and the focal point of their postseason heartbreak.