Baker Mayfield Takes Responsibility After Loss to the Panthers, While Also Thanking the Teammate Who Pulled Him Back Amid a Wave of Criticism
Tampa, Florida – December 22, 2025
The bitter 20–23 loss to the Carolina Panthers pushed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into a difficult position in the playoff race. When the final whistle sounded, all eyes quickly turned to Baker Mayfield — the quarterback who made the decisive mistake in the final seconds. Amid a fierce wave of criticism, the veteran quarterback chose to confront it head-on rather than shy away.

After the game, Mayfield offered no excuses. “Not the coaches, not my teammates — it’s on me. In that moment, when the ball was in my hands, I knew I had to be better for the team — and I wasn’t. That hurts more than any criticism, because the people who believe in me deserved better.” It was a brief but blunt statement, reflecting the leadership mindset the Buccaneers have trusted for the past three seasons.
The pressure was even heavier given that the loss came against the Panthers — the same team that released Mayfield midway through the 2022 season. After a start to the year that had Tampa Bay looking like a strong NFC South contender, this stumble made their playoff hopes far more fragile. But for Mayfield, the most painful part wasn’t the outside noise — it was the feeling of letting the group down at the most critical moment.
In the middle of those heavy hours, one teammate helped pull Mayfield back up: Mike Evans. “Mike came over and told me we’re still here, still fighting together,” Mayfield shared. “When you feel like you’re about to fall apart, having someone like that beside you means more than any criticism or any stat line.” Evans’ quiet presence became a timely emotional anchor.
Inside the Buccaneers’ locker room, the message wasn’t blame — it was unity. “We win together and we lose together,” Mayfield added. “I know I have to be better, and I will be — for this team, for the people who have always stood by me.” The loss to the Panthers may have damaged Tampa Bay’s playoff chances, but the way Baker Mayfield accepted responsibility and honored his teammates showed exactly why the Buccaneers still believe he is the leader to guide them through adversity.
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