Skip to main content

    Sooners in the NFL: Baker Mayfield Notches Career Game, Bucs Control Playoff Destiny

    Baker Mayfield’s hot streak continued on Sunday, and Tampa Bay is in the diver’s seat because of it.

    In this story:

    Oklahoma Sooners
    Oklahoma Sooners
    Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield continued his Comeback Player of the Year bid on Sunday afternoon. 

    He’s playing free and confident — and it showed against the Packers. Mayfield marched into Green Bay and left Lambeau Field with a victory and a performance for the ages.

    The Buccaneers took down the Packers 34-20 and Mayfield was the star of the game. He finished 22-of-28 for 381 yards and four touchdowns. He threw scores to David Moore, Mike Evans and Rachaad White, spreading the love the entire game. He looked comfortable in the pocket and made big throws when it mattered to give the Bucs an edge in what had been a very close game. 

    Mayfield was nothing short of incredible on the road. In addition to recording one of the best games in his career, Mayfield became the first quarterback to ever post a perfect passer rating when visiting Lambeau Field. His 158.3 was a record for visiting quarterbacks.

    All in all, Mayfield’s 2023-24 season has been a smashing success. In 14 total games, he has thrown for 3,315 yards, 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He has a legitimate chance to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award and has largely been a top 10 quarterback in the NFL.

    Tampa Bay is now 7-7 on the season and leading the NFC South. Mayfield’s team controls its own destiny and has a promising chance to make the NFL Playoffs.

    Whatever happens the rest of the season, Mayfield has proven he belongs in the NFL and is a starting caliber quarterback. Whether it's with the Bucs or elsewhere, Mayfield will receive a solid payday this summer. He has been able to elevate his star wide receivers and get the most out of his teammates.

    With three games remaining, Mayfield has the chance to record both his first 4,000-yard season and his first 30-touchdown season of his career. As the race to the finish line continues, Mayfield is putting together his best professional season yet.

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.