Baker Mayfield Identifies Key Issue Behind Buccaneers' Recent Losses

Buccaneers' QB Baker Mayfield pointed to one key issue that has hindered the team this year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense has been uneven in 2023. They have once again dealt with struggles from the running back position like they did a year ago, and although it seems like things have improved in the passing game with the move from Brady to Baker things still seem to be much of the same.

The Buccaneers' most recent loss to the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday means they have now lost six out of their last seven games - not good.

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One of the biggest reasons, according to quarterback Baker Mayfield, is the team's lack of success in the redzone - calling it the team's achilles heel and could be the difference between three losses and three wins.

#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield believes red zone failures have been the difference in the team not having 3-4 more wins. pic.twitter.com/pEZfaGPRrB

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 27, 2023

Baker is not wrong.

The Tampa Bay offense has struggled mightily to not only score while in the red zone, but also with just getting to the opposing team's 20-yard line to begin with.

So far through 13 weeks in the NFL the Buccaneers' offense ranks 21st in team red zone scoring attempts per game with 2.8, and things get even worse when the team does somehow end up in the red zone as they rank 27th in the league in scoring touchdowns - only scoring on 45.16% of those instances.

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While in the red zone, Baker has struggled completing less than 50% of his passes for 157 yards and 10 touchdowns. What is more alarming is that he has only mustered 2.9 yards per attempt while throwing an interception and being sacked five times. That is just not good.

Rachaad White and the Buccaneers' running backs also haven't been able to be much of any help in this area as White is the only one to see scoring with four touchdowns - all on the ground, but a lousy 2.1 yards per carry.

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If the Buccaneers want to finish the season out strong and hopefully put together a string of victories, they will need to do so by being much more competent not only on offense as a whole, but more importantly when it comes to putting the ball in the endzone once they are inside their opponent's 20-yard line.

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season.

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