In a performance marked by precision and composure, Baker Mayfield seized the opportunity to rejuvenate his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 draft demonstrated his abilities by passing for 317 yards and a touchdown, guiding the Buccaneers to a 27-17 victory over the struggling Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Mayfield’s contribution proved pivotal as he maintained excellent ball control for the second consecutive week. In tandem with Mike Evans, who recorded six receptions for a staggering 171 yards, the Buccaneers (2-0) handed the struggling Bears their 12th consecutive loss, marking a franchise record that stretches back to the previous season.
Buccaneers’ head coach Todd Bowles emphasized the significance of error-free football, stating, “If you don’t turn it over, you give yourself a chance to win.” Mayfield exemplified this principle, completing 26 of his 34 passes while also showcasing his versatility by recovering a fumble that had ricocheted an astounding 11 yards backward to the Chicago 32-yard line. The ensuing play saw Mike Evans securing his second touchdown catch of the season.
Coach Bowles commended Mayfield, noting, “He’s savvy. He has a good feel for the game and what’s around him. And the awareness he has around him helps him out a great deal. He’s a very smart player.”
Mayfield orchestrated an impressive 70-yard opening drive in the first quarter, setting up Rachaad White’s 1-yard touchdown run. Furthermore, his 32-yard scoring pass to Mike Evans, Tampa Bay’s all-time leading receiver, capped an 89-yard drive and extended the Buccaneers’ lead to 20-10.
On the defensive front, the Buccaneers’ unit delivered an impressive performance, especially after conceding a 75-yard touchdown drive to the Bears on their first possession of the game. Tampa Bay’s defense sacked Justin Fields six times and intercepted him twice.
Despite the Bears’ (0-2) valiant efforts, they closed the gap to 20-17 with Chase Claypool’s 20-yard touchdown reception. However, their hopes for a comeback dwindled as Justin Fields, throwing out of his own end zone, threw an interception that Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett returned for a clinching touchdown.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus expressed his disappointment over the loss but praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Disappointing loss. The guys battled to the end. We had a chance.”
Baker Mayfield’s journey to the Buccaneers has been marked by adaptability and resilience, having spent his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns before splitting the 2022 season between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield’s transition to Tampa Bay has been made smoother by a formidable complement of skill players, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rachaad White.
Mayfield reflected on the team’s progress, saying, “As we grow in this offense and continue to get better and better, we’re going to be able to do whatever we want. We’ve got a really good skill group.”
Justin Fields, in his third NFL season after being selected 11th overall in the 2021 draft, acknowledged that the Bears have much work ahead of them to rectify their performance. Fields expressed his determination, saying, “I think in this position you can do one of two things, and that’s either lay down and just kind of throw in the towel and just say whatever. But I don’t think anybody on this team is like that. My job and the coach’s job is to keep everybody going, keep everybody’s morale up. It’s a long season.”
In a notable rookie performance, safety Christian Izien stood out with an interception of Justin Fields, joining a select group of undrafted players to begin their career with an interception in each of their first two games.
Regarding injuries, the Bears lost starting safeties Jaquan Brisker (illness) and Eddie Jackson (foot) during the first quarter, while wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) departed in the third quarter. The Buccaneers played without two defensive starters, cornerback Carlton Davis III (toe) and defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (calf), who were inactive. Backup running back Chase Edmonds left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and did not return.
