Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield attributed a pivotal interception in Sunday's 23-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns to a "sweaty ball." The defeat dropped the Buccaneers to an 0-2 record to start the season.
Mayfield completed 21 of 34 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown, but the interception late in the first quarter was a turning point in the game. The Buccaneers had opened with field goals on their first two possessions. "It's no excuse, but I kind of had a little bit of a sweaty ball," Mayfield stated after the game. "At that point, if I can’t put the ball in a perfect position on the sideline, because the throw is there, the guy’s got depth, but he’s not all the way to the sideline…just sucks."
The Browns' defense applied pressure throughout the game, contributing to an otherwise inconsistent performance from Mayfield. A lengthy weather delay in the fourth quarter further disrupted the Buccaneers' momentum, and they were unable to execute effectively upon resuming play.
Mayfield had reportedly circled the game against his former team on the 2026 schedule. However, he emphasized that the sting of the loss stemmed from the team's 0-2 standing rather than facing the Browns specifically. "It just stings more because we’re 0-2," Mayfield said. "Frustrated because it’s close. 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."
Earlier this month, Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension with the Buccaneers, a deal worth $165 million that begins next year and extends his tenure with the team through the 2029 season.
