Despite battling rib and ankle injuries, quarterback Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 32-9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. Mayfield threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns, securing the Buccaneers’ largest playoff win since their Super Bowl XXXVII victory. Despite being 3.5-point home underdogs, Mayfield’s performance marked a significant achievement, becoming the first Buccaneer to throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a postseason game.
Mayfield’s resilience was evident as he played through injuries sustained in previous games. Dealing with a rib injury from two weeks ago and an ankle injury from the previous week, Mayfield flew in his personal physiotherapist twice during the week to aid in his recovery. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles commended Mayfield’s determination, highlighting how he “gutted it out” despite visible signs of discomfort and limited practice time.
The victory sets the stage for the Buccaneers’ next challenge, facing the Detroit Lions in the divisional round on the road. Once again, the Buccaneers find themselves as underdogs, with the Lions currently favored by 6 points. Mayfield, embracing the role of underdog, expressed the team’s focus on larger goals and looks ahead to the upcoming matchup. The Buccaneers had previously lost to the Lions 20-6 in Week 6, creating an opportunity for redemption.
Mayfield’s journey, including being traded away by the Cleveland Browns and navigating various challenges, adds an extra layer of significance to the recent victory. The quarterback’s positive influence on the team, even amid dropped passes and challenges in the game, reflects the Buccaneers’ resilience and determination. As they advance to the next round, the team remains focused on their internal belief and goals, disregarding external predictions and emphasizing their collective effort on the field.