After the Buccaneers’ week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, 17-20, Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield addressed the media, focusing on execution issues, turnovers, and the team’s approach heading into the final week of the regular season.
Bowles said the team came out with strong energy and effort but was undone by mistakes throughout the game. He emphasized that the Buccaneers repeatedly “shot themselves in the foot” and said accountability begins with him as the head coach. Bowles added that the team must focus on correcting its own issues rather than worrying about outside factors, noting that continued mistakes would prevent the team from advancing.
Turnovers were a central point of emphasis. Bowles pointed to a three–turnover deficit as a deciding factor and said protecting the football in critical moments, particularly late in games, must improve. He also addressed breakdowns across multiple phases, including a defensive miscommunication on a long touchdown and a mis-hit kickoff on special teams.
Mayfield echoed those sentiments, citing execution as the primary issue. He took responsibility for early interceptions, explaining that his ball placement and eye discipline contributed to the offense’s mistakes. Mayfield also referenced penalties and a blocked field goal as momentum-shifting plays that stalled offensive drives after a fast start for the Bucs.
Despite the loss, both Bowles and Mayfield acknowledged that a postseason opportunity remains in the sights of the Buccaneers’ ship. The Buccaneers will enter Week 18 with the NFC South still undecided, as Tampa Bay and Carolina are set to face off in the season’s final game with the division title on the line.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs’ Todd Bowles, Baker Mayfield address mistakes after Bucs loss
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
