After the schedule for the 2026 season was released in the spring, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said he had the team’s Week 2 game against the Browns circled.
Mayfield began his career with the Browns and was traded away after Cleveland opted to go with Deshaun Watson as their quarterback. Mayfield was fired up for the chance to hand his former team a loss, but things did not play out that way on Sunday in Tampa.
The Bucs had a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but gave it up before a lengthy weather delay late in the fourth quarter. The Bucs were driving when the delay began, but couldn’t finish the job and lost 23-19. After the game, Mayfield was asked if it was more painful because of who beat them.
“It just stings more because we’re 0-2,” Mayfield said.
The Bucs had four turnovers in their Week 1 loss to the Bengals, but they only turned the ball over once against the Browns. They had two drives end in the red zone without touchdowns, however, and a couple of second half drives that resulted in quick punts that kept the Browns in the game.
“Frustrated because it’s close,” Mayfield said. “You can feel it. You can see it. We’re moving the ball at times, and then just shooting ourselves in the foot. So, that makes it more frustrating when you know you’re right there.”
The Bucs will need to find a more consistent offensive approach in a hurry or Mayfield will be playing out the string before his new contract extension kicks in next year.
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