It was one of the most memorable plays of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' entire 2024 season. It might have been the play of the season if the game in which it occurred had ended better for the Buccaneers. On the network broadcast of the game, color commentator Tom Brady called it, "One of the best plays I've ever seen a quarterback make."
Brady was referring to a stunning moment of grit, bravado and improvisation spun by the man who succeeded him as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield. Just after the two-minute warning of Tampa Bay's Week 10 home game against the San Francisco 49ers, Mayfield and the offense faced a must-have fourth-and-seven at their own 37, with the visitors leading by three points. Fail to convert, and Mayfield very well might not touch the ball again and the Bucs would fall, 20-17.
Mayfield drops back to pass but is quickly pressured by Leonard Floyd screaming around the right end of the line. He avoids Floyd with a quick step forward, but that put him right into the path of a sprinting Nick Bosa, who had stunted into the middle of the pocket. Mayfield can't get away from Bosa but he manages to plant a stiff-arm with his left hand into the defender's chest. The two remain locked together in that way as Mayfield sidesteps all the way from the middle of the field almost to the sideline. After a quick glance to see how close he is to going out of bounds, Mayfield manages to get off a lob over to more defenders and to running back Rachaad White, who leaps to secure the catch just past the line to gain.
The Bucs would go on to tie the game on that drive, only to have San Francisco's Jake Moody counter with a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Bucs, in the midst of a midseason lull, didn't get the badly-needed win but Mayfield at least gave them a shot.
Quarterbacks Coach Thaddeus Lewis was grateful the Buccaneers had a player like Mayfield in that moment. He would just prefer that his quarterback didn't always decide to put himself in danger by playing the hero.
"That right there was a 'gotta have it,'" said Lewis. "That was a 'gotta have it' moment. So I would want that guy show up in the 'gotta have it' moments. Early in the game, if it's not there I would prefer him to throw it away or get down, or check it down, add to the punt. Let's play a little team ball; we have a good defense. Let's flip the field. We don't have to get it all in one shot. In certain instances, he thought he had to put us on his back, and make some plays like that. Which he did…it's a fine line. That's the thing that you fine-tune – when and when not? If we can get that under control and limit the turnovers, I think we can be unstoppable as a team for sure."
It's clear that the Buccaneers would like to see Mayfield take less punishment over the course of a long season. Since taking over as the team's starter in 2023, Mayfield has started every game for two seasons, playoffs included, and has missed a total of 22 offensive snaps in that span. That durability has been as impressive as his outsized passing numbers with the Buccaneers, but very few players are completely immune from injuries. The Bucs would like there to be fewer opportunities for Mayfield to get hurt. Sacks are still going to happen and some of Mayfield's scrambles have been among his best plays as a Buccaneer, but the coaching staff is still working hard to convince their quarterback to play it a little safer on occasion. In fact, Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard said he "harps on it" at practice.
"He plays the game like a UFC firefighter," said Grizzard. "I'm trying to take a couple hits off of him, and not playing like that all the time."
View images from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Phase 2 Week 3 Workouts on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Linebacker Anthony Walker #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Inside Linebackers Coach Mike Caldwell of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Eric Banks #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker David Walker #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Line Coach Charlie Strong of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Outside Linebacker David Walker #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Cleats during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Running Back Josh Williams #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Garrett Greene #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Michael Pratt #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2, Tackle Charlie Heck #77, Tackle Luke Haggard #72, Center Graham Barton #62, Guard Ben Bredeson #68, Tackle Garret Greenfield #74, and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 20, 2025 - Safety Shilo Sanders #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 workouts at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lewis and Grizzard understand that the "Superman" plays are a byproduct of Mayfield's hyper-competitiveness, which is overall a very positive part of his profile as a player. Lewis said that Mayfield still plays with a chip on his shoulder, even after reviving his career in Tampa with his two best NFL seasons yet.
"He's always out to prove himself, but he's his own worst enemy," said Lewis. "We've just to get him out of harm's way. I like his competitive nature, but I don't like it to the extent where he keeps getting hit and he won't be available. He's getting older, he turned 30, so I joke with him now, 'Welcome to the 30 Club. You're older now, so that's hits you took in your 20s might affect you a little differently in your 30s. Just to get him to start being smart, take less hits, throw it away, maybe get down. Be competitive in situations called 'gotta have it' situations – first down, touchdown, end of the game, things like that. But I love him to death. I wouldn't trade him for nothing or his competitive nature."
The Buccaneers believe that Mayfield can have an even better season in 2025 because, for the first time in years, he isn't absorbing a new offensive system. Tampa Bay did lose its one-season offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, to the head job in Jacksonville, but by promoting Josh Grizzard from within and maintaining most of the coaching staff, they have put Mayfield and the rest of the offense in a position to operate with valuable continuity. Statistically, it won't be easy for Mayfield to improve on his numbers from last season too much; in addition to setting team records in passer rating (106.8) and completion percentage (71.4%), he set a career-high with 41 touchdown passes and was top-four in the league in those three categories plus passing yards (4,500) and completions (407). Grizzard, Mayfield and company are more focused on team success in 2025 after being eliminated from the playoffs in the first round this past January.
They will have a much better chance to achieve those goals if Mayfield is available for 17-plus games. Lewis said he and Mayfield have some variation of that conversation quite frequently.
"All the time, even in practice," said Lewis. "I might say, 'Hey man, you've got to get down there.' 'You don't think I can run him over?' 'I know you can run him over but I'd rather you'd get down and I have you for the next play.' But that's just him joking and his competitive spirit. But that's the next step for him moving forward, because the older you get your mobility and ability goes away sometimes. So you have to be smart. Just start getting him to play heady and understand situations and getting out of harm's way. That would help us a lot because that would also limit turnovers because he's thinking in that manner. You don't have to be a Superman."
In Mayfield's very first start for the Buccaneers, in Week One of the 2023 season in Minnesota, the Bucs had the ball in their own territory in the fourth quarter of a 17-17 tie. On a first-and-10, Mayfield took a shotgun snap and put the ball into White's breadbox on a zone-read play before reading the defensive end crashing down and pulling the ball back out. Mayfield took off to his right but cornerback Byron Murphy closed in quickly and had a chance to pull the quarterback down just behind the line of scrimmage. However, Mayfield powered through Murphy with a vicious stiff-arm and picked up five yards. The play, and Mayfield's exuberant command to Murphy to, 'Get your weight up,' delighted and energized his teammates. The Bucs would go on to score the game-winning field goal on that same drive.
Mayfield's coaches and teammates clearly love him for moments such as that. His coaches, however, want to convince him to pick his moments wisely. It's still a work in progress.
