Baker Mayfield: Bucs Have Attitude Problem
November 9th, 2025
The Bucs were not the hungriest team on the field today at The Licht House.
It’s one thing for Joe to write all about it; it’s quite another for Baker Mayfield question his team’s fire and focus like he did after the loss to the Patriots.
The Bucs scored on their opening drive, and then things went south in a hurry offensively.
“We’re a good team, but to be great, when you score on the opening drive, you know what it looks like, you set the tone; you’re not satisfied with it,” Mayfield said. “You come back [and] in your head it’s 0-0 and you go do it again. And right now I think we’re lacking that on offense. It comes down to me. That’s my job to get that fixed and I will do that.”
Mayfield was then asked what is “lacking,” and he cut off the reporter to answer. “Killer instinct,” he said.
The Bucs say they have exemplary leadership. If so, this “lacking” to which Mayfield refers is an immediate and necessary repair to address.
Remember “killer instinct” allegedly can’t come from the head coach.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
I think there’s a morale problem on the team……
Baker said the Bucs came out flat today….that’s more than once this season
Players are outta position again
I think there’s an internal mutiny between the Bucs offense and John Grizzard because he’s such a bad play caller.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:28 pm
Bucs can’t compete with the rams eagles and Seattle with the current team. Again Licht failed this team. Draft picks next year aren’t helping us this year. Poor managing
November 9th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Well Baker, how about when the defense gives you the ball three times in a row in the 4th quarter with a chance to get the lead, how about putting up more than 0 points. How about eating some W’s.
I legit have no issues with how Baker played today, but I can stand the bumper stick talk. Want to do something productive? Call out Shepard for being a bum and costing you a huge 4th down conversion with a flat out stupid play. Call out the bum punter for two awful punts in a row – or better yet call out yourself for putting that bum punter on the field.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
@ StucBuc
Why did Licht fail this team????
November 9th, 2025 at 6:31 pm
We need a better coach
November 9th, 2025 at 6:31 pm
To be clear, I *can’t stand the bumper sticker talk. If I could stand it, then my comment would make no sense at all.
And again, no issues with Baker, but man, the generic talk just kills me – can’t stand it, not idea how reporters who have to hear these same slogans over and over again take it without snapping.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:36 pm
@ Rod Munch
I blame pretty much 75% of the problems of the offense on Josh Grizzard….because his play calling is atrocious
Grizzard play calling is about as imaginative as a high-school offense…..infact, it maybe worse so let me retract my inital statement
November 9th, 2025 at 6:40 pm
Horrible
November 9th, 2025 at 6:41 pm
Said the same thing 2 years ago after a loss to the Colts and Gardner Minshew to drop to 4-7. Blah,blah,blah. 3 years of this. Every week playing from behind and being on dog fights. Losing to better teams,making it interesting late. Nip and tuck with scrub teams. 3 years a decent sample size.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:42 pm
Todd Bowles has lost his franchise quarterback. Who’s fault is that ?
November 9th, 2025 at 6:42 pm
Was this a one-off? Or will it become a trend?
Sounds like people are starting to question their mental toughness.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:42 pm
This season is very similar to the 2020 season. At 6-5 is where this team turn the corner all the way to the playoffs! If we sneak a win against either the rams or bills that would be a huge plus
November 9th, 2025 at 6:44 pm
TheBucsAnthem – I don’t disagree, he’s done a pretty bad job most of the time. But you can only lose so many guys before you start running out of people. The Pats are a very good defense – and on top of that a poor match-up for this current injury plagued version of the Bucs.
The Bills defense isn’t nearly as good, so we’ll see what happens next week, but I think people will be a lot happier, at least about the offense after next week (before going nuclear with rage when the Bucs get blown out vs the Rams like always happens – outside of Winston hanging 55 points on them).
November 9th, 2025 at 6:44 pm
DUH. IT’S COACHING.
It’s on the coaching to get the team in the right mindset and to execute.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:44 pm
Rod Munch. Shut the f up !
November 9th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
I get the feeling there is something much deeper unfolding with this team.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
Said it on Monday. Defense had to hold em under 24. Theres just not enough
Juice on the offensive side of the ball to run with elite teams. The defense is
Unreliable at best. No pass rush, players out of position, corners getting absolutely
Cooked on deep routes. Is 10 wins enough to win this turd of a division? Maybe.
But with this current squad and coaching staff im not sure they get past the
Wild card round. Crazy how at the beginning of the season we had a treasure
Of weapons on offensive and now our 2nd best receiver is a 6th round pick.
I
November 9th, 2025 at 6:48 pm
@ Rod Munch
I agree……..sadly, alot of these so called Bucs Fans lurking around this site don’t wanna see or hear the real truth of how this team performs on the field unfortunately
November 9th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Players Only meeting coming up this week
Baker and Grizz need to get on the same page
GO BUCS
November 9th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
The lack of mental toughness comes straight from the head coach. Anyone notice the ugly gut Todd’s developed? Lack of discipline, disinterest, inept coaching shows easily.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
Teams take on the personality of their coach. Bowles is laid back, and so are the Bucs. The Pats played like their coach, tough as nails. Dennis should’ve been benched after the second game. Bowles said he’ll get better. He hasn’t. Gave up two explosive TD runs. No accountability, no urgency. That’s just bad coaching.
November 9th, 2025 at 6:58 pm
Yeah, the opening drive was all scripted. After that, Grizz just reverted back to what he knows and feels most comfortable with. SLOW and BORING.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:01 pm
I noticed it pretty early how there was a total lack of emotion out there on that field today, from these guys coming off of a Bye. That is the typical, “Bowles-way.”
November 9th, 2025 at 7:01 pm
Hodad Says:
November 9th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
Teams take on the personality of their coach. Bowles is laid back, and so are the Bucs. The Pats played like their coach, tough as nails. Dennis should’ve been benched after the second game.
———-
And who exactly is on the bench to replace him?
Also, Dennis made one of the best defensive plays I’ve seen this year in the 4th quarter, when he somehow magically was able to twist himself around and bat down a ball on 3rd down forcing a punt. No one really noticed it, but it looked like a sure catch, and I have no idea how Dennis was able to do that.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:02 pm
Everytime we play against a rookie QB, we send him directly to the Hall
of Fame 🤦🏻♂️🤣. Bucs Life !!!!🤣
November 9th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
Joe, not only an attitude problem. Baker has a vision problem. How many times did he not see the wide open receiver a d try to force the ball into tight coverage. Brutal play by Baker and even worse play calling by Grizz.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
Joaquim Valente Says:
November 9th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
I get the feeling there is something much deeper unfolding with this team.
^^^^^
They’re feeling sorry for themselves. Their Super Bowl hopes flew out the window with all the injuries and all but Baker and perhaps Tykee and a few others are slacking off. Where is the head coach ?
If this team collapses the Glazers will likely attempt the new coach and rebuild to start the “new day/new hope” process all over again.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Speaking of Rams, they are moving the ball at will against the 49ers. On their way to a blowout win on the road. I don’t think Bowels has ever beat the Rams. The 49ers defense is playing like Bowels is their defensive coordinator.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Soft teams usually have soft coaches and that’s exactly what we have here
November 9th, 2025 at 7:07 pm
Yeah, Bake can’t be happy and I think it’s really starting to get to him. And, just ‘the looks’ on the player’s faces… There is something definitely missing. No FIRE. NO Energy. They are all like the walking dead. Just total ZOMBIES. I’m not seeing “IT.”
November 9th, 2025 at 7:10 pm
I knew it.
Both sides looked great in their first drives and I think they knew it so they got cocky. Happens way too much with these guys. No reason to not have a killer instinct at home off the bye.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:11 pm
How many times has this team been accused of “coming out flat”? As fans we are so fortunate this division has been abysmal for 4 years now. This bunch is so pathetically mid.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:13 pm
@ Cchead – YESSSSS. It’s been REAL BAD. He’s missing EVERYTHING underneath (YAC) and is just completely ’zeroing-in’ on EE (holding onto the ball too long)… When, he should be taking what the defense is GIVING HIM, and he SHOULD BE ‘seeing-it’ pre-snap for the most part. 💯 It’s a HUGE problem. Just TAKE-IT and then LETS GOOOO. Tempo = RHYTHM. Everything is way too damn SLOW. Everything.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:17 pm
This is what you get with a Todd Bowles team. We’ve seen it for years and nothing will ever change as long as he is HC
November 9th, 2025 at 7:19 pm
@ TheScourge – oh yeah 💯. It’s all been nothing but A LOT of “smoke and mirrors” residing in such a HORRIBLE Division over the past 5-seasons. Cohen 💯 SAVED Bowles freaking JOB last season. And, Winfield Junior did the year before.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:21 pm
ah the yuks life forever
November 9th, 2025 at 7:23 pm
Bosch Says:
November 9th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Speaking of Rams, they are moving the ball at will against the 49ers. On their way to a blowout win on the road. I don’t think Bowels has ever beat the Rams. The 49ers defense is playing like Bowels is their defensive coordinator.
————
Not true. Bucs beat the Rams in 2019, with the Jameis Winston 55-point game. If Baker can just live up to the legend that is Winston, the Bucs should get it done.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:27 pm
I agree there is something deeper happening with this team, specifically the offense. You can see multiple shots of Mayfield coming off the field with a look of disgust at the play calling. Staring right at Grizzard.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:31 pm
To all that want Bowles fired, who are you going to replace him with?
November 9th, 2025 at 7:33 pm
Grizz actually did quite a bit better job with some of the routes today, and finally SCRAPPED the predictable runs when he sent Otten in motion on literally, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. He actually, fooled ‘em with it early, with some misdirection and by running some play-action and actual regular basic PASSES. Buttttt, STILL just waaaayyy too SLOW and NO Tempo or RHYTHM. The opening drive that was all ‘scripted’ was GREAT. But, then he reverted back to what he knows best and feels most comfortable with. Which, is obviously, NOT GREAT.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Grizzard is pretty bad. Can not adjust. clock management is horrible. The screen plays to RBs were a joke.
Wirfs was getting owned
Barton is not very good, neither is Feeney.
Baker holds on to the ball too long as doesn’t scramble anymore. passes were not accurate.
Running game is not consistent
WRs cant get separation and drop passes.
D line cant get to the QB in time
Lb’s are slow on the outside.
Secondary is well, highly inconsistent especially on the outside.
Bowles is Bowles, plays not to lose.
Jason had a chance to pick up some players but didn’t
Bucs will be O-3 in the next two weeks
This is not a good team. If they make the playoffs , it’s one and done yet again.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:40 pm
MelvinJunior – There were times that Wiz Kid did a better job today, but then long stretches where he was completely predictable. And yeah, the pace is very slow, the Bucs often snap the ball with 1 or 2 seconds on the clock, it’s just plodding. I still have no idea how this is supposed to be the same playbook they ran last year – it just doesn’t look the same at all. It’s really not that hard to just mimic what Coen was doing, they have all the data about down and distance, where you’re on the field, time left, defense formations, etc – all they need to do is look at the numbers, run what Coen would have ran, and they will improve massively.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
It seems like the general tone here is that Baker is pissed at his teammates. He told it like it is. Everyone made multiple mistakes and if you listen to his press conference, he repeatedly pointed out his own mistakes and said that it starts with him and he even talked about specific mistakes he made. He’s taking responsibility not only for his mistakes but also is taking responsibility for others mistakes as it is his job as the leader of the offense to make sure everyone is doing their job. That’s what a leader should do. Brady certainly did that as well. I don’t believe Baker blames Grizzard.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
Bucs sucked on both sides of the ball today. 6-5 incoming. Schedule gets a whole lot easier after that, especially if we get some guys on the offense back.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:18 pm
@ Rod Munch – I know. I’ve wondered about the exact same thing. It’s absolutely mind-blowing. For the most part, the same players, too! After that first opening-drive, I was like, “YES. FINALLY. See… It’s NOT HARD. It should be EASY.” But, then… All downhill from there. Unbelievable. After having 2-WEEKS OFF!? It makes no sense. And, the running the play-clock all the way down literally, on EVERY PLAY… Drives me absolutely, INSANE.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
The team has the same personality as its coach. In the Bucs case that is not good.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:22 pm
Bantry Says:
November 9th, 2025 at 7:31 pm
To all that want Bowles fired, who are you going to replace him with?
^^^^
That sums it up. The Glazers had their opportunity with Coen and blew it. When Coen left their hand was forced and Bowles was resigned. They had to do it and it was the right move. With good luck all would have been peaches and cream. But bad luck arrived at the front door. Player talent carried the team for a while. Baker carried the team and his efforts resulted in some injuries. This is a very critical point and Todd Bowles needs to summon everything he has and then some if we are to survive. I hope things turn out well but I’m afraid of major instabilities ahead. We need help.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:30 pm
I don’t understand this limitation on Baker to not run the ball. That is a huge part of his game and when you take it away, he’s far less effective. Other teams see this and play accordingly. Plus he runs around in backfield but it’s like there’s an invisible fence at the line of scrimmage he can’t cross. This is unsustainable. Let him run and slide.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:31 pm
Everyone knew that it was going to be a tough game today against an emerging power opponent. From my viewpoint, our defense did a very respectable job on the vast majority of their plays, but when you forfeit 200 yards on three long touchdowns, you really create a difficult scenario for your offense that’s limping along without it’s major weapons.
As to Baker, he’s not been himself the past few games. Before the bye I figured that his dull performance was due to injuries that he wasn’t fully disclosing, but now I’m wondering if there is something going on with the team in a more general sense. Why isn’t Baker scrambling for yardage any more? Huge question to me. His fire seems to have dissipated and my guess it is due to mounting frustration.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:44 pm
Roscoe Says:
The Glazers had their opportunity with Coen and blew it.
———
But that isn’t true.
Due to the ridiculous racist NFL hiring rules, they could not have simply fired Bowles and hired Coen because he’s a honkey, and that’s not allowed. Instead they would have had to fire Bowles, then go through a show of doing a bunch of interviews with the token minority, only then could they have hired Coen. But of course any other team could have stepped in during that time and also hired Coen. You could have got to a situation where you lose Bowles and Coen.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:48 pm
Well at least b the panthers,and falcon s lost.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:52 pm
This team isn’t going anywhere. I am beginning to think they won’t even win the division with the remaining schedule oof. Poor play from a team off a bye week. Todd Bowles is not a great coach . He is a good coach as far as a coordinator but not as a head coach.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:55 pm
Have to win these home games. Our offensive line is overrated. Can’t block when the game is on the line. We all saw the last series coming. Everyone in the room said the pressure was going to get to Baker. You could see it coming a mile away.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:59 pm
As far as the play calling is concerned, I always remember something Joey Galloway said to Steve Deumig: “you don’t know what play was called”. We as fans know what play we think we saw executed or almost saw executed, but we don’t actually know what play was called.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:59 pm
These guys c are all available next Sunday after the grey cup
Here are the top 5 CFL receivers for 2025 (one line each):
Justin McInnis (BC Lions) – League leader with 1,469 yards and 7 TDs; top PFF grade and elite size-speed combo.
Kenny Lawler (Hamilton Tiger-Cats) – 1,443 yards and a league-best 14 TDs; premier deep threat.
Justin Hardy (Ottawa Redblacks) – 97 catches, 1,343 yards, 5 TDs; high-volume, consistent target.
Tyson Philpot (Montreal Alouettes) – Injury-shortened year but elite YAC and route-efficiency numbers.
Reggie Begelton (Calgary Stampeders) – Steady 1,000+-yard performer with top-5 consistency across seasons.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:59 pm
6-5 book it. Need bodies back. Next man up only goes so far
November 9th, 2025 at 9:26 pm
Play Greene instead of shepherd
November 9th, 2025 at 9:30 pm
I think we have to consider drafting a quarterback to sit behind Baker either this year or next year. The injuries are hurting Baker Mayfield and I don’t think he has 5 years left in him he has about 2 or maybe 3 years left. So I would draft a quarterback and just let him sit behind Baker even if he has to sit 2 years ain’t no rush. I love the Packers idea because you can build your team even for the next quarterback. We have young receivers and McMillan career might be over. This team don’t tell us the truth about our injured players. But we will still make the playoffs.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:40 pm
The bucs need Brady as head coach! Surround yourself with talented winners, your only going to be as good as your players you choose.mayfield plays scared,scared to run for first downs when pressured or no one is open( there’s no I in team). Baker.Unfortunately our best players are injured or are not as talented as portrayed. The o line are not blocking 100% of the time,our defense linebackers & secondary are horrible. Almost non existent. Maybe the bucs get a wildcard this year if we’re lucky.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:42 pm
The first drive our o line was intact. Bredson goes out Jordan comes in and they immediately get pressure on baker. The rest of the game they got pressure all game on him a d we got 0 pressure on may. Nelson is not the answer we need a true edge presence opposite diaby
. The play caloing is absolutely atrociousand has been
Tucker needs to start over white until bucky retirns. Godwin is dine and we shoukdnah e yraded for a wr at yhe deadline cas after ebuka nobody is worriedabout the remianing wrs . J mac who know show many years he will. E able to olay sheooard is lwashed uo. Dennis needs to be gone on the practice squad he is cheeks . We ned 2 linebackers cas David wilk probably call it a career as will godwin and maybe evans . They should not have had the week off. This team is soft no killer instinct thts what mayfield was saying
.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:43 pm
Not to pile on that guy but that chaotic, scramble ball is the only way Baker can play and it’s not sustainable for winning. That’s why you see a guy like DArnold go 21-5 the last 2 years. It’s why you see even a guy like Jared Goff dropping 40 and 50 points on ppl. I’m really trying to remember a QB who played like that and regularly won 12-14 games a year and went to SB. I can’t. The way a QB needs to play,Baker can’t. Ppl ignore that comment because on the flip side nobody wants to get a new QB eventually. I’m watching the Chargers game and Herbert would KILL for the supporting cast Baker has, even with injuries.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:44 pm
Baker, you have a HC & GM problem first and foremost. Until that’s fixed, good luck.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
The first drive our o line was intact. Bredson goes out Jordan comes in and they immediately get pressure on baker. The rest of the game they got pressure all game on him and we got 0 pressure on may. Nelson is not the answer, we need a true edge presence opposite diaby..The play calling is absolutely atrocious and has been all season.
Tucker needs to start over white until bucky returns. Godwin is done and we should have traded for a wr at the deadline cas after ebuka nobody is worried about the remianing wrs . J mac who knows how many years he willl be able to play Sheppard is lwashed up. Dennis needs to be gone on the practice squad he is cheeks . We need 2 linebackers cas David will probably call it a career as will godwin and maybe evans . They should not have had the week off. This team is soft no killer instinct thts what mayfield was saying
.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
David H, it sure looks like Mayfield is hurt. You are right, scrambling is a big part of his game. Something is off. Since he was hurt it hasn’t been the same. He will not sit out. Hell he played with a broken collar bone. Mayfield is too tough for his own good sometimes. He will heal up along with the others in time for the playoffs.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:58 pm
Separation. It’s what makes Mike and Chris great. We’re simply undermanned receiver-wise, now that emeka is a known quantity. I saw some bills twitter guy write that Chris and Bucky return next week…one can hope.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:26 pm
Baker Mayfield ain’t playing for another 5 years to many injuries he has about 2 or maybe 3 years left.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:57 pm
A40train Says:
November 9th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
The first drive our o line was intact. Bredson goes out Jordan comes in and they immediately get pressure on baker.
———
I didn’t notice issues with Jordan, maybe they were happening, but it wasn’t obviously. Instead 65 was literally getting trucked and thrown all over the place at RG, he was terrible. Also through the first two games, Jordan was probably the teams best offensive lineman. When he’s been at LG, he’s been very solid. But the RG spot has been a real issue for the most part.
November 9th, 2025 at 11:06 pm
Maybe Baker needs to be the “prick” Licht calls him and just sit down with Bowles, Grizzard AND Licht and tell them all that they just don’t have that ALL IN killer instinct a “SB contending team” typically has from top to bottom.
November 9th, 2025 at 11:07 pm
Plus there is no zip on his throws. They are soft easy throws. Watching them it makes you wander if it going to make it to the target. Definitely hurt by the looks of it.
What is up with Tez not blocking for White? Sometimes I wonder for some of these guys, if they are afraid they are going to get hurt so the avoid going all out and it just spreads throughout the team.
November 9th, 2025 at 11:13 pm
It all starts and ends with the OL. Even 1 weak link in that chain can wreck havoc. Frustrating as all get out. When will we ever have a somewhat healthy team?
November 9th, 2025 at 11:29 pm
There is a serious problem when it’s 1st and goal and we are trailing 21-10 and two receivers are not 2 feet apart in the corner of the endzone all bunched up with 3 DB’s because no other Bucs player was in the endzone. Terrible play calling and no discipline when it counts most. Then Mayfield throws the perfect 10 yard pass to Egbuka for an easy score and it just goes through his hands like it was a hot potato. Then for 2 Egbuka doesn’t go for the pylon he cuts up into guaranteed failure. Something is seriously wrong mentally. Not sure what it is but today should have easily been a W.
November 9th, 2025 at 11:31 pm
Remember when referring to that ‘one-time’ we went TEMPO… Romo said, “Smart – Wished They’d Done It EARLIER.” I immediately said, “Yep, Because They Are NOT ‘Running’ A Play There, Is The ONLY Reason Why They Are NOW LoL. And, sure enough, they didn’t. That’s why, though I’d been ‘waiting for it’ ALL DAY, it did NOT excite me. I KNEW they weren’t running JACK. Did anyone else catch the time, that Nantz and Romo heard Baker calling-out “19.” Right after that, Romo said, “Yeah, that means a run to the left!” And, sure enough, it was a RUN TO THE LEFT LoL. Then, Romo was like, “yeah, looked-like the Patriots ALSO KNEW what that meant there.” LMAO.
November 10th, 2025 at 12:44 am
They are a bunch of mildly average athletes who don’t have leaders, forget to come back from vacation other than to cut paychecks
November 10th, 2025 at 12:50 am
Seeing a lot of bad takes online about Baker and our offense. Don’t think it was great but honestly think it was good enough given the circumstances. 106.1 QB rating today with 3 TDs to 2 rookies behind a banged up OL and a rookie play-caller. No Bucky, no Evans, no Godwin… Baker did very well.
However, it’s Henderson who just gashed Todd Bowles’s defense more than any of these 4 RBs this yr: Gibbs, Bijan, Barkley and CMC. We were a top 10 run defense before today’s game. This was unacceptable from a vet play-calling DC/HC!!!!
November 10th, 2025 at 12:51 am
Gizzard isn’t getting it done and will be the one OC that doesn’t go anywhere. Not impressed with the play calling on either side of the ball. Done entirely with Sterling Shepards mediocre abilities stealing plays away from the young receivers on this team.
November 10th, 2025 at 12:57 am
Back on the Bowles gotta go bandwagon.
Ready for the Griz to go as well.