Baker Mayfield and a young core give Buccaneers reason for optimism despite disappointing finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield reacts while speaking at a news conference after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Washington Commanders in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Chris O'Meara]
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield had a career year and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved their win total, won a fourth straight division title and made an NFC-best fifth consecutive playoff appearance. Still, they started an early vacation. A disappointing 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders in a wild-card game left a bitter taste. The Buccaneers fell short of their goal of winning the Super Bowl for a fourth straight season. This after Tom Brady arrived in 2020, led them to a title and raised the bar for the franchise. But there’s reason for optimism, including the Bucs’ impressive 2024 draft class. And Mayfield is still under contract and playing like a top-tier quarterback.
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