Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield Sounds Off Over Loss to Eagles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield couldn’t rally his team in time from a 24-6 halftime hole in a 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
“It should piss us off,” Mayfield told reporters on Sunday.
Mayfield did his part as he went 22-40 for 289 yards and two touchdowns, versus an interception. He rushed for 13 yards on two carries, and he took two sacks for the day.
“This group is too damn good to start slow, and until we take accountability to that, it should piss us off,” Mayfield said. “Even though it’s Week 4, this should piss us off. We’ve talked about starting fast and playing better ball, and we did not do that today.”
Tampa Bay entered the game 3-0 with wins over the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. However, those three teams had a combined record of 1-8 going into Week 4.
The Buccaneers fell behind quickly on the defending Super Bowl champions on Sunday, which commenced with a blocked punt for an Eagles touchdown. After a three-and-out by the Buccaneers, the Eagles went up 14-0 as quarterback Justin Hurts completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Goedert.
Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin cut the lead to 14-3, on a 42-yard field goal on a drive where Mayfield fumbled but recovered the ball. Philadelphia then added to the lead, 21-3, in the second quarter as Hurts’ 20-yard pass to wide receiver DeVonta Smith set up Hurts’ 5-yard touchdown pass to Goedert.
The Eagles tacked on more points, 24-6, in the second quarter when kicker Jake Elliott hit a 39-yard field goal. However, the Buccaneers responded with a field goal of 65 yards by McLaughlin to end the half, 24-6.
Buccaneers Rally in Second Half Falls Short
Tampa Bay stopped the Eagles on three consecutive drives to start the second half, and the Buccaneers offense delivered a big play with Mayfield’s 77-yard touchdown pass to rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka to trim the lead to 24-13. The Buccaneers couldn’t build more momentum due to a fumble by running back Bucky Irving on the following offensive possession, and the Eagles took advantage with another touchdown drive.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley capped the six-play, 25-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run for a 31-13 lead, but the Buccaneers kept rallying. Mayfield came up with a 72-yard touchdown pass to Irving on the following drive to cut the lead to 31-20 in the third quarter.
After an Eagles punt to start the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers the deficit to one score, 31-23, on McLaughlin’s 58-yard field goal. While the Eagles didn’t score again, Mayfield threw a pick and the Buccaneers turned it over on downs in the final 12 minutes of the game. Tampa Bay tacked on a safety at the end of the game to get to 25 points.
Mistakes Cost the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers struggled on third down to a tune of 3-13, and penalties weren’t a help, amid five for 40 yards. Other miscues such as the two turnovers and an Eagles special teams touchdown simply added up.
Tampa Bay otherwise led time of possession by more than three minutes and outgained the Eagles by 176 yards.
Alex Cora Sends Powerful Message to Aaron Judge Ahead of Red Sox-Yankees Showdown
Alex Cora, manager of the Boston Red Sox, has sent a powerful message to Aaron Judge as the Yankees prepare to face the Red Sox in an important matchup. While praising Judge’s leadership and presence in the game, Cora made it clear that the Red Sox are focused on their own mission to win and compete at the highest level.
“Aaron’s a phenomenal player, and his leadership on and off the field is something everyone respects,” Cora said. “But we’re here to compete, and we’re here to win. We know how important this series is, and we’re focused on doing everything we can to come out on top.”
Cora’s comments highlight the respect he has for Judge but also the fierce competitive spirit that defines the Red Sox’s approach as they face off against their division rivals.
Cora’s Perspective: ‘It’s About Our Team, Not One Player’
While Judge’s star power is undeniable, Cora emphasized that the Red Sox’s success comes from a collective effort. “This game isn’t about one player,” Cora stated. “We’ve got a team of guys who are ready to go out there and put everything on the line. Aaron’s great, but we’ve got a lot of talent in our lineup, and we’re focused on what we can do as a team.”
Cora’s focus on team dynamics underscores the Red Sox’s preparation and mindset for the crucial games ahead.
Looking Ahead: ‘We’ve Got a Job to Do’
Cora reiterated that while the respect for Judge and the Yankees is mutual, the Red Sox are ready to handle business. “We know what Aaron can do, and we know what the Yankees bring to the table. But we’ve got a job to do,” Cora said. “This series is about us showing up and playing our best baseball. We’re ready for the challenge.”
Cora’s leadership and strategic focus are key in motivating the Red Sox as they look to compete with their AL East rivals and continue to push for postseason success.
Final Thoughts: ‘We’re Focused on Winning, Period’
As the Red Sox head into their showdown with the Yankees, Cora made it clear that the team’s goal is simple: win. “We’re focused on winning, period,” Cora said. “No matter who’s on the other side, we know what we’re capable of, and we’re ready to prove it.”With Cora’s leadership and the team’s determination, the Red Sox are primed for the high-stakes matchup with the Yankees, keeping their eyes firmly set on the
ultimate prize.
