Bucs news: Baker Mayfield laments strange problem during Bengals loss

Bucs news: Baker Mayfield laments strange problem during Bengals loss appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got off on the wrong foot in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, losing 33-27 in a game that saw them fall behind 14-3 after the first quarter. Mayfield and the Buccaneers fumbled four times, including one near the goal line from Mayfield that caused frustration.

A brilliant, NFL history making play from Josiah Trotter on defense couldn’t save coach Todd Bowles‘ Bucs from the inevitable as his team was forced to accept a tough luck opening week loss. Afterward, his QB, Mayfield, described a strange problem that plagued him in the huddle and may have contributed to the funny feeling that came over his team and led to mistakes.

“We had some headset issues for quite a while, in and out. It’s not an excuse, but when they’re testing them on the sidelines, and they work fine. Then you get out in between the hashes, and it’s not working, that’s unfortunate,” Mayfield said in a press conference.

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“But it wasn’t the whole time, just kind of the first drive for sure and then sporadically throughout the rest of the game but yeah, we need to get in and out of the huddle quicker.”

Mayfield was efficient, throwing the ball, completing 23-of-28 passes for 216 yards. Bucky Irving spearheaded a solid rushing attack with eight rushes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Irving also contributed in the passing game, where Emeka Egbuka starred with five catches for 63 yards.

The Bucs are capable of being far more explosive and far more cautious with the football on offense, but plenty has to change leading up to Week 2. Coach Bowles’ team is too smart and too hard-nosed to turn the ball over four times on fumbles alone, which is sure to be an emphasis in practice this week, along with the technology glitch that hurt Mayfield and the Bucs in the weirdest way.

Related: Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield had to take the blame after giving ball away 3 times vs. Bengals

Related: Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles on what cost Tampa Bay against Bengals, and it’s not the 4 turnovers