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Baker Mayfield’s fumble changed everything for Buccaneers in loss to Commanders

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield left the field at Raymond James Stadium disappointed after Tampa's 23-20 loss to the Commanders brought an early end to the playoffs.

The pain of Mayfield's defeat Maybe he'll be a little tougher after his fourth-quarter fumble changed the course of the Buccaneers' NFC wild-card round game, setting up the winning touchdown for the Commanders and helping set the stage for the game-clinching field goal. I might have felt it. It was scheduled to come later in the quarter Sunday night.

“It comes back to me.” Mayfield told reporters. After the game, about the fumble. “Just getting the timing right. First thing that's happened all year. Obviously the timing isn't good. We're backing up. The defense did a really great job just getting the ball away. Another four. I'm sorry for the eye down stop, [fumble] Fall on me. ”

The fumble happened four plays after Tampa Bay stopped Washington on fourth base and scored from the 3-yard line.

A Washington Commanders linebacker recovers a fumble from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield during the second half of an NFL Wild Card Playoff football game on Sunday, January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. , Bobby Wagner (left). AP

On first-and-10 at his own 15-yard line, Mayfield went into what appeared to be play-action, but instead fumbled the ball when Jaylen McMillan ran into a fake handoff.

Eventually, the ball flew out of Mayfield's hands and onto the ground, leading to a fierce scramble for it and ultimately the ball being taken away by manager Bobby Wagner at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line.

The Bucs led 17-13 at the time of the error, but it took four plays for Washington to find the end zone and take a 20-17 lead with 9:46 left in the game.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, 54, hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, 6, during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Raymond James Stadium. ) recovered a fumble. USA TODAY Sports (via Reuters Con)

Broadcast footage aired afterwards Mayfield on the sideline is responsible for the error during the fumble.

The Buccaneers went down the field on their next possession, tying the score at 20 on Chase McLaughlin's 32-yard field goal.

But with nearly five minutes remaining, the Bucs gave their managers a chance to maintain possession, and Washington took full advantage of it.

Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves the field after losing to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Getty Images

The 51-yard drive capped off with a 37-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez that hit the uprights with no time left to seal the victory.

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