Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off the most productive season of his NFL career but aims to improve his turnover rate in the 2025 season. Following a wild-card playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders, Mayfield emphasized that reducing turnovers will be his primary offseason focus.
During a media session on Thursday, Mayfield spoke openly about the importance of better decision-making on the field to avoid costly mistakes, underlining his commitment to smarter play.
Understanding the Turnover Challenge in Mayfield’s Game
Mayfield acknowledged, “Turnovers, No. 1,” as the area he wants to improve.
“There is going to be an errant throw that, obviously, I am not trying to throw it to the defense, but I just miss it. Physical mistakes are going to happen. It is more the decision-making. Those are the ones that when we talk about situationally, how to be aggressive, where are we at in the field, and what are we looking at. Those are the ones that I am really trying to fine-tune.”
—Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
His statement highlights a focus on situational awareness, combining aggression with caution according to field position and game context, to reduce turnovers that stem from poor choices rather than physical error.
Mayfield’s Statistical Progress Alongside Turnover Concerns
According to Pro Football Reference, Mayfield ended the 2024 regular season ranked third in passing yards with 4,500, tied for second in passing touchdowns with 41, and was fourth in passer rating at 106.8 among qualified players. Despite these impressive numbers, he also shared the league’s highest number of interceptions, with 16, tied with Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins.
The StatMuse database shows that since the beginning of the 2023 season, no other quarterback has committed more regular-season turnovers than Mayfield’s total of 31, underscoring the scale of his challenge heading into next season.
Practice Limitations and the Quest for Better Decision-Making
Mayfield also pointed out the difficulties in replicating game-like pressure during practice.
“That’s always a work in progress,”
he said.
“It is hard to simulate that unless you are really going scrimmage-type feel in practice.”
—Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
This reflects the challenge quarterbacks face in preparing for real-game scenarios where split-second decisions carry huge consequences.
Offensive Coordinator Departure and Injury Concerns Loom Over Buccaneers
A major hurdle for Mayfield’s offseason preparation is the loss of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who has become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. This leadership change could require adjustments to Tampa Bay’s offensive strategy.
Additionally, the Buccaneers may start the season without All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who underwent right knee surgery during the summer. Mayfield recognized the impact of Wirfs’ absence, emphasizing the need for the offense to minimize errors and protect the defense early in the year. He acknowledged,
“let our defense thrive earlier in the year so we really get healthy.”
—Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
Outlook for Tampa Bay’s 2025 Season and Mayfield’s Role
As of the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Tampa Bay is tied for seventh among NFC favorites to reach Super Bowl LX, holding +1300 odds. Mayfield’s ability to improve his turnover management and make smarter decisions under pressure could be crucial in elevating the Buccaneers beyond just a playoff appearance in the upcoming season.
Reducing turnovers will not only improve offensive efficiency but also protect Mayfield from unnecessary hits, a key for his longevity and effectiveness after two physically demanding seasons in Tampa Bay.