“No Setbacks” But Baker Mayfield Admits Speed Impairment
November 12th, 2025
Joe is sick of talking about Baker Mayfield being injured.
Yes, he’s been banged up for weeks (while not missing a snap) and addressed his physical situation more today.
“No setbacks” were expereinced for Mayfield’s oblique and knee challenges Sunday against the Patriots, he said, adding he only got hit “a couple of times” against New England.
Mayfield also went to the cliché that everyone in the NFL has physical challenges this time of year. But the Bucs’ franchise quarterback also acknowledged that part of him not having one rushing attempt in the past three games is tied to him “not feeeling like I was able to get up to full speed scrambling to throw.”
Still, Joe saw Mayfield scramble beautifully on his late touchdown throw Sunday to Tez Johnson. He’s got enough juice in his arms and legs to lead the Bucs to wins.
At this point, it’s unlikely Mayfield gets much healthier.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Baker being able to run is the difference between winning and losing some games.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
My suspicion is it wasn’t so much not being fast enough. It’s that he couldn’t afford to get tackled because of rib injuries
November 12th, 2025 at 1:27 pm
I love how we can’t stop 4th and 13 and we can’t get 4th and 2
November 12th, 2025 at 1:33 pm
I say start TB for a few weeks and let Bake heal for a potential playoff run.
I think we have a better chance of winning the next couple games with a fresh healthy Bridgewater at QB than an injured Baker.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Not only effecting his throwing but footwork in the pocket as well.
Big Baker fan but this 3 game slump is as bad as ive seen him as a Bucs…..a portion of the blame goes to Josh Grizzard. Dont wanna hear injury excuses, Canales and Coen made the Bucs offense work with injuries as well.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:37 pm
When Mayfield scrambles it is for these reasons: 1) Receivers are not getting open; and/or, 2) O line is not protecting as well as they should. Baker tries to extend the play like he did twice Sunday with TD passes to Tez. Hear a lot about how great the O line is supposed to be. Would trade the entire O line to Detroit for Detroit’s O line.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:43 pm
I like how the Baker Boi(s) were saying he wasn’t injured after he had a good first series, then as the game went on, they said he’s obviously injured. I literally laughed at those idiots constantly coming up with a new excuse, even down to individual drives needing to explain how nothing is ever his fault, he’s perfect in every way.
Anywho, Baker was mostly fine on Sunday. Again, vs a top defense with the best corner duo we’ll see this year, I think the Bucs just ran out of guys. Saying generic garbage like next man up, or pretending like your $20M WR’s don’t matter and you can just throw anyone out there and scheme them out, it’s nonsense. Right now the Bucs don’t have enough guys around Baker to elevate him and make him look good – not against a top defense anyways. If / when we start to get guys back, and get past this stretch of the schedule, things should improve a lot, then we’ll be told that Baker is once again healthy. It’s the same routine over and over.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
someone will still blame Todd lol
GO BUCS!!!!
November 12th, 2025 at 1:52 pm
I hope Baker isn’t more focused on being a father than on football this season.
November 12th, 2025 at 1:55 pm
Yes agree these types injuries need rest, obviously more than a week. I think he is where he is for the year unless he is put on the bench, which appears unlikely
November 12th, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Well I like how the biggest idiot of all keeps saying Baker can’t perform unless he has the perfect WR’s around him to make him look good, well at least against good defenses he says. I could have sworn Baker torched the numbers 5 and 3 defenses in the league already. Oh wait he did and without his best receivers. Constant idiocy is his most enduring quality.
November 12th, 2025 at 2:06 pm
I’d almost agree with start teddy over baker to let him get healthy if we have Bucky and maybe Godwin healthy. We still need the dubs. Doubt teddy can do it with what we got. If baker can’t get healthy then Bucs gotta do something. If he plays like this in the playoffs it won’t matter how good the defense play. We gotta score points to win games
November 12th, 2025 at 2:09 pm
Crickett
That’s a weird freaking take
November 12th, 2025 at 2:12 pm
If he plays like this in the playoffs it won’t matter how good the defense play. We gotta score points to win games
BINGO!!!!
but folks will blame bowles for not scoring points lol
GO BUCS!!!!
November 12th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Stop throwing the ball over everybody’s head maybe we would score more points
November 12th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Hey Rod. Just heard today that Baker has thrown more touchdowns to rookies than any QB in the league in 24-25. Eric with Pilot and Driver. “We’d have a better chance of winning the next 2 games with Bridgewater at Quarterback”.. no, we’d have a chance at winning. A better chance? You’ve got to be kidding.
November 12th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
OK then
November 12th, 2025 at 2:27 pm
at 7:42 in the 1st quarter, Grizz had Tucker and White in the back field…
RW motioned to the left side and Tucker ran behind the RG for a gain of 12yards!!!
Grizz never ran that play or formation again…
wake up Grizz!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
November 12th, 2025 at 2:28 pm
If Atlanta beats Carolina Sunday both will have 6 losses & we will only have 3 if we win Sunday or 4 if we lose.
November 12th, 2025 at 2:29 pm
How about play calling being a problem? Facing 3rd and 3 with about 2:00 left in the game and obviously needing a touchdown meaning it was a go for it on 4th down situation there were two very important needs: Number 1: Must get a first down Number 2: Must score a TD Number 3: Must burn off some clock big time. So what does Josh Grizzard call ? Pass and Pass. Fing Really, Bucs averaged 4.2 per rush and you have 2 downs to get 3 yards and you need to use some clock and you are not smart enough to see a running play is unquestionably the correct call on 3rd and 3??????????????????????
November 12th, 2025 at 2:32 pm
he’s 100% of 50%
November 12th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
I agree with you @Todd. At least run on third down. If you get stuffed then throw on fourth. Poor play calling hurt us.
November 12th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Yeah. Baker may not be quite right. Three touchdown passes. All three long drives. A field goal. Long drive. Zero turnovers. 270 yards through the air. I challenge anyone who reads this to tell me if a QB has ever-and I mean ever-had that clean of stat line and lost the game. Probably as rare as a defense allowing 4 tds of that length. I would never have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.
November 12th, 2025 at 2:37 pm
Patriots vs. Bucs 2025
Mayfield-Passer Rating 106, completion % 65.
Maye-passer rating 89, completion % 51.
The problem wad not containing the big plays. Without just 1 of them we win.
November 12th, 2025 at 2:43 pm
Todd Says:
November 12th, 2025 at 2:29 pm
How about play calling being a problem?
CAREFUL!!!!
FACTS will get you hurt around here…
we know Grizz has been shaky at best….he’s displayed poor playing, predictable play calling and abandons the run quick and early…
none of that matter however because bowles is the HC…he is to blame…
no need to point out facts regarding the lack of offense we’ve had over the past 3 games…its simply bowles fault
so stop crying about the offense and blame bowles
GO BUCS!!!!
November 12th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
O-Line injuries have been the cause of this. Baker took a beating in quite a few games and the depth of the o line falls directly on the GM
Bucs need to have the depth on the o-line and d-line if they want to be a contender
With Todd Blows and Licht they are just pretenders in a weak division
November 12th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
If Licht has any brains, he’ll force Mayfield to play out his current contract. Baker is SUS! There is a reason why so many teams bailed on him. He doesn’t read defenses well and is a slow decision maker. He’s got heart and hustle, but that only gets ya so far.
November 12th, 2025 at 3:06 pm
Aww man Jeff, they’re going to come in here and crucify you, especially Kenton he’s like Bakers 1-man Dora Milaje on this here corner of the innanet
November 12th, 2025 at 3:22 pm
I’m not sure the Bucs can win without Baker having the ability to run. It’s that important.
November 12th, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Jeff, why did the “GOAT” not take TAMPA to back to back SUPER-BOWLS?
November 12th, 2025 at 3:27 pm
The offense had a really good game. Not perfect but quite good. It’s the defense that sucked out loud on 4 huge plays. We have got to stop doing that but it’s something that has plagued us a lot of this year especially against speedy running backs. We’ve also got to stop huge pass plays.
November 12th, 2025 at 3:58 pm
In other news, Atlanta is imploding. Penix threw coaching staff under the bus when asked who on the sidelines he leans on.
November 12th, 2025 at 4:11 pm
Well the Bucs are consistent. The last three years we’ve had injuries and the last three years they’ve had mid season slumps. The good news is the Bucs consistently win the division. Let’s Go!
November 12th, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Beeej Says
“My suspicion is it wasn’t so much not being fast enough. It’s that he couldn’t afford to get tackled because of rib injuries”
This.
You nailed it, I think.
That good news is that with no setbacks from last game, he’ll continue to heal.
November 12th, 2025 at 4:34 pm
“Joe is sick of talking about…” – Joe
You may be sick of it, but it’s been hitting us hard.
I’m sick of all the injuries myself. But if they happen, we need to keep them in mind.
November 12th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
Hey Muncher,
Baker has a few rough games with injuries and you reemerge with your usual dirge. No kidding as the “game goes on” it becomes obvious that Baker wasn’t moving as well? We were supposed to know when he came out of the tunnel how well he was moving?
Baker made precision throws to Tez while on the move for 2TD’s. You insist that the defense played well which is your oblique way of saying Baker played bad. 3TD’s 300yrds 0INT against top flight CB’s isn’t exactly a bad day. Nobody believes your nonsense about how well the defense did its job Sunday. Mayfield is one of the best things about the Bucs. In truth the team is not as good as many here insist. Liked it much better when you were on hiatus. You were humiliated because Baker had played so well through the first 6 games. With any luck, Baker’s will have healed, we find a couple of OG’s who can pass protect, we win 6 of the next 8, and you go back to pouting because Mayfield is succeeding.
November 12th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
The good news is that all those young guys are getting very valuable reps , and should bode well late in the season!!! (I said the exact same thing last year lol
November 12th, 2025 at 4:41 pm
It seems like Baker being able to scramble late was because the Patriots were in prevent mode??
Still that was a great effort by Baker and Tez at the end !!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Bills !!
November 12th, 2025 at 4:44 pm
Rod Munch Says
“I like how the Baker Boi(s) were saying he wasn’t injured after he had a good first series, then as the game went on, they said he’s obviously injured.”
Honestly, I hate the game thread. I’m convinced most of the real Bucs fans avoid it because of the negativity. I pop in once in a while, then pop out.
The people in there are usually a joke.
November 12th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
As to my opinion on the game…I thought we played an okay game overall.
The Pats were in better shape and they played better.
I’m 100% convinced Baker was still sore. Maybe not really still injured, but tender. He also didn’t have his usual fiery attitude, and I think the players picked up on that.
Bakers is fantastic. I believe that. He may be the best QB outside of Tom Brady who we’ve ever had play for us. We scored big with him, much like the Saints scored big with Brees years ago.
I believe the defense got eaten up against the Pats…but to be honest, I think they are just starting to get it together and they went up a more developed offense. It happens.
Our offense looked great coming out for a change. But I DO believe Griz needs to adjust better and quicker when things like that happen.
To be fair though, Griz is a rookie OC…we cannot expect perfection every time we have one.
It’s entirely possible one of the OCs who left previously will return next year. We’ll see.
November 12th, 2025 at 4:56 pm
Joe … ‘At this point, it’s unlikely Mayfield gets much healthier.’
Probably true Joe. But it’s probably also just as true that he’ll get LESS healthier over the next 8 games in the regular season.
And about his rushing, Baker ran 0 times for 0 yds for 0 first downs in the last 3 games. Bucs are 1-2 in those games, averaging 18.3 PPG.
Baker ran 22 times for 158 yds for 11 first downs in the first 6 games. Bucs were 5-1 in those games, averaging 27.5 PPG.
PERHAPS Baker’s running helped keep drives alive so they could be turned into points and wins?
November 12th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
I am so not worried about Baker. Like at all. His receivers and running back and OL have all been out. Dude is probably nursing rib injuries. Explains the overthrows. He’ll get it right. And now he’s Pissed. Pissed Baker is a baller.
November 12th, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Hopefully he can get healed up soon. We need him firing on all cylinders if we are going to stand any chance of success.
November 12th, 2025 at 6:12 pm
If it was life or death he would run,,, if it was life or death Bucky would play,,,, it’s not life and death , we are -800 to win division ,,, means most probable there will be a home playoff game ,,, At that point all hands on deck and anything goes
November 12th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Rod,
You make your points with a lot of certainty, but certainty doesn’t automatically equal accuracy. Acknowledging injuries and personnel losses isn’t “making excuses” — it’s understanding the basic realities of how an NFL offense functions. Every top quarterback looks different when key weapons are out, and pretending otherwise is just oversimplifying the game.
You clearly enjoy taking shots, and that’s your choice, but speaking in absolutes and dismissing everyone else’s perspective doesn’t make the analysis stronger — it just makes it sound arrogant. We can break down what’s happening on the field without acting like anyone who sees nuance is an “idiot.”
Respectful debate isn’t hard. It just requires dropping the condescension.
November 12th, 2025 at 6:47 pm
My understanding is that the oblique injury is painful and nagging. I believe it is on the side of Baker’s throwing arm. Yes, it could plague him for the rest of the season including the playoffs. I hope I am misunderstanding the situation.
Go Bucs!
November 12th, 2025 at 7:27 pm
Hey at least 3 of their wins were by desperate last minute scores. And those close wins were not against top tier teams. The Bucs need to win at least one of the next two games to be slid contenders instead of close but no cigar. They can sneak into the playoffs because of their week division. But if they don’t win at least one of the next two games they are pretenders.
November 12th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
There’s a better chance of more receivers getting injured if “hospital ball” Teddy’s in the game.
November 12th, 2025 at 7:44 pm
For those of you addressing any deficiencies with Mayfield and/or Grizzard, just take an honest look at how impressive this 6-3 record is. With the amount of injuries at extremely key positions, they are lucky to even be above .500. You take Gibbs and Amon away from Goff, or let the Seahawks run without Njigba and Walker III…say the Seahawks lose Pittman/Pierce and Taylor…and then throw in injuries to both starting guards and both #2/3 wideouts from these teams…You think they’re at a .667 clip? What this adversity is doing for this team, win or lose, is evaluating depth and building resiliency. Tez Johnson wouldn’t have a stain on his uniform if these injuries hadn’t occurred. Now they’ve discovered he’s a threat that defenses have to account for. Cade would’ve been lost in the mix, but he’s moving chains. Throw Evans, Godwin and Bucky back in the mix (not sure about Jalen… probably shouldn’t see the field all year), and this team has one of the most impressive group of pass catchers in the NFL. Baker’s simply keeping his head above water during this rough stretch, and Grizzard’s playcalling will only improve. Give the dude a break. He’s smarter than all of us. Yeah there’s been a few calls that were weird, but he’ll figure it out. You can look at all this in a negative light or understand when it counts the most, a fully healthy Bucs’ squad is going to be extremely nasty.
November 12th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
So Munch says Baker needs to be elevated by quality players around him and that right now he doesn’t have that. He hasn’t had that all season and they are 6-3. He hasn’t looked his best in two out of the last three games so it’s logical to think maybe he hasn’t been healthy. I think Josh Allen is slightly better than Baker but to my knowledge he wasn’t missing any of his usual skill players or even offensive linemen when the Dolphins kicked the Bills arses last week. So in his case even having his usual entourage wasn’t enough to elevate his play plus he wasn’t even injured. Also, they were playing the Dolphins not the Patriots. I’m not knocking Josh Allen, he’s a fantastic QB but your perceptions are skewed. All quarterbacks need good players around them to be successful and if they don’t have them on offense then they better have a great defense.
November 12th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
I can’t by the we must win one of next two to be a contender ,,,, we beat the # 1 ranked team in their house ,,,, I’ve watched the chiefs struggle through the reg season to come alive in the playoffs ,,, making the dance is the only important thing right now ,,, it’s who’s hot at the very end who wins
November 12th, 2025 at 8:16 pm
Teddy Bridgewater has a better career win-loss record than Baker does
44-37 for TB and 56-55 record for Baker.
So, I say start TB for a few games til Baker is healthier.
November 12th, 2025 at 8:53 pm
@ Erik with Pilot and Driver™
If Baker Mayfield isn’t on fire and has most of his limbs, the dude won’t sit. When he was with Cleveland, and played with a completely torn labrum, it made me think back when I tore my labrum. I could barely put my shirt on by myself. This dude is a competitor, so much in fact, it can at times be a weakness.
November 12th, 2025 at 9:43 pm
Erik, Teddy can play when Baker goes down. If he goes down. And he’ll be a much better chance for our team to win than Trask would have been. TB is 33-32 as a starter. You chose to show career win loss which has nothing to do with starting record. Except it bolsters your argument by lying. Aren’t you something? Mayfield’s most important win was Browns first win in 2 years when he entered down 14-0 and won and the Ram game he won with 97 yard drive. Both games he didn’t start so he didn’t get credit for the win. TB has thrown for 600 yards the last four years. Are you sure about your argument we’d be better off starting Bridgewater? Or do you not know your A$$ from a hole in the ground?
November 12th, 2025 at 10:17 pm
Sean McDermott HC of the Buffalo Bills says “the skill set Baker Mayfield possess is elite, yep he’s got it, he’s got it and you have to account for it”. We are so lucky to be 6-3 and to have BM6 an elite NFL quarterback as our guy! We would most likely be 2-7 or 3-6 without him.
November 12th, 2025 at 10:25 pm
Way to expose Erik’s lies Kenton! Have to keep those liars in check. Some posters fudge the truth to promote their bias subconsciously and then there are those who do so blatantly such as Erik among others on this site.
November 13th, 2025 at 1:02 am
Gipper Says:
Baker made precision throws to Tez while on the move for 2TD’s. You insist that the defense played well which is your oblique way of saying Baker played bad.
————
I literally said Baker was fine – not a problem. What I said during and after the game as everyone else was having a meltdown is that the Patriots, vs this injured Bucs roster, is just the better team.
If I thought Baker played poorly I would have said said. Instead what I repeatedly said was I don’t think he had guys open to throw to.
You Baker Boi(s) are so insecure. So far this year the only game where I thought Baker played like crap was vs the Lions, where he was terrible. Outside of that he’s been mostly OK, and at times good – and with all the injuries, that isn’t a knock. But vs a really good defense, he needs help, and the Bucs didn’t have enough bodies.
Meanwhile, after the opening TD drive, what do we get in the gameday thread – “see, Baker is finally healthy, that’s why he looked bad the last two games – now he’s great” – then a few drives later, “Baker clearly isn’t healthy.” I literally laughed at that nonsense, nothing is ever Baker’s fault, he didn’t zero in on e2 early in the game when other guys where open, no, they ran the wrong routes, Baker is hurt, it’s never just that he missed some throws. Say that, it’s OK, your Lord and Savior doesn’t need to be perfection to still support him.
November 13th, 2025 at 2:48 am
It’s just absolutely amazing how all these Baker Bois talk about Baker like he’s a fricken HOF QB… That’s Laughable. LoL. He is what HE IS. Period. But, as far as “Teddy” goes… Just STOP. Stop-It. Come-on. I mean, HE CAN’T PLAY. At ALL. He’s DONE. Talk about strange moves… It was THE ‘weirdest’ thing I’ve EVER seen before (the whole thing, from the preseason game with the 1’s and just every freakin thing).
November 13th, 2025 at 11:22 am
Melvin and Rod during the 49ers game Tony Romo calling Baker the original OG must have tied your jealous tails in a knot. Calm down it’s alright, Tony knows what he’s talking about. Once Baker is healthy he will return to his OG type of playing just In time for the playoffs. And it will shut you bois up again. It is inevitable as the sun rising.
November 13th, 2025 at 3:06 pm
What it is Says:
November 13th, 2025 at 11:22 am
Melvin and Rod during the 49ers game Tony Romo calling Baker the original OG must have tied your jealous tails in a knot. Calm down it’s alright, Tony knows what he’s talking about. Once Baker is healthy he will return to his OG type of playing just In time for the playoffs. And it will shut you bois up again. It is inevitable as the sun rising.
———–
If Baker can come through in the 4th quarter of a playoff game and win, it will be his first time doing so – and I hope it happens. But his last two playoff games, he’s choked in the 4th quarter – maybe keep that in mind when chanting MVP in week 6. Lets worry about MVP chants in the postseason, then it would be welcomed and deserved.
November 13th, 2025 at 9:37 pm
Baker is playing awesome for being banged up.
I can’t believe nobody is not talking about the defense. Don’t give up 30 points and the your offense won’t be so predictable!!!!!!!!!