Despite a depressing loss in Miami, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still alive in the NFC South.
The Bucs looked burned in Sunday’s 20-17 loss, trailing by double digits for long stretches, seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers had the defense diced up and Baker Mayfield turned the ball over three times. Still, with the Carolina Panthers losing at home to Seattle, Tampa, 7-9, still has a chance to take the division title in Week 18.
“Here’s the thing,” Mayfield said after the loss, via the Associated Press. “We still have a chance next week. We’ve got an opportunity next week and guys have to handle it the right way. Lavonte (David) talked to the team after the game and hit the nail on the head, so we have to respond.”
After a drive-opening touchdown, the Bucs couldn’t get out of their way. Mayfield threw two bases and fumbled in the fourth inning. The flubs overshadowed a 346-yard performance in which he spammed short throws. Of Mayfield’s 33 completions, 32 went for less than 20 yards. He went 1-for-7 for 33 yards and two interceptions on deep passes.
“We didn’t deserve it,” said Mike Evans, who was 3-of-7 for 31 yards and a touchdown. “They played like they had a chance in the playoffs and we played like we were ready to go home.”