Ball security wasn’t an issue for Baker Mayfield on this play. It was too many times otherwise.
An NFL defens ivecoach hates turnovers, maybe worse than Joe hates warm beers.
And no, KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles was none too pleased at the Bucs playing Santa Claus with four fumbles that led to 24 Bengals points in a one-score loss at Cincinnati today, 33-27.
Bowles was asked if Baker Mayfield had fumbles that were on the offensive line or if he didn’t get rid of the ball soon enough.
Bowles seemed to think two of the fumbles were not on him.
> “One or two of them was scramble,” Bowles said. “The one in the pocket already held a little bit, but the one behind him he didn’t see. He was running, trying to make a play.
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> “But we’ve got to hold onto the Ball. Bucky \[Irving\] as well.”
Watching from not-that-high over the field in the press box of Mike Brown Stadium, Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs sort of whiffed on Cincinnati defender Myles Murphy. The two briefly engaged at the snap and Murphy broke loose running to the outside past Wirfs.
Murphy kept up his pursuit and clobbered Mayfield from behind as Mayfield was about to release the ball. That fumble turned into a scoop-and-score for a Cincinnati touchdown.
The fumble in the fourth quarter with the Bucs marching down 10, Mayfield was in the pocket and kept pumping and got blasted, losing the ball. That was on him.
Turnovers sunk the Bucs today. The defense didn’t play awful, especially when you factor in the Bucs set the table with the Bengals to score 24 points off turnovers. Yes, Joe realizes the Bucs’ third-down defense was sad.
Not the best way for a quarterback to celebrate just signing a $165 million extension.