Turnovers Are The Key In Detroit, Says Baker Mayfield
September 11th, 2024
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield.
Last year the Bucs lost to the Lions twice — once at home by two touchdowns and once in the playoffs in Detroit by eight points.
The Bucs suffered each loss in a very different manner.
At home in The Licht House, the Bucs lost nearly 11 months ago 20-6. Joe thought the Bucs got physically smacked around as the Lions played the part of the bully.
The playoff game was much closer but Baker Mayfield threw one of his two picks on the Bucs’ last drive as the Bucs lost 31-23.
Mayfield spoke about limiting turnovers and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Not making the most of chances to score doomed the Bucs in the Oct. 15 matchup last season, Mayfield believes.
“If you look at — I’m not an analytics guy by any means,” Mayfield began, “but on-the-road stats, if you turn the ball over, your chances of winning severely drop.
“So it’s always got to be a key point of emphasis, especially in an environment like [Ford Field]. You can’t let [the Lions] build off of momentum like that.”
And when the Bucs have a chance to put points on the board, they cannot whiff, Mayfield warned.
“Offensively, we just didn’t make enough plays,” Mayfield said. “We didn’t make the big plays, especially at the home game here.
“Every season is a new season but looking back on it, seeing the shots that we missed, it’s frustrating to see.”
Mayfield added that he’s excited to see how this year’s offense can handle both the raucous Detroit home crowd and the physical Lions.
"Talk about trying to drift on rainbow road with no computer drive!"
Elite reference @BakerMayfield 😂
(via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/vtKJCfZB08
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2024
September 11th, 2024 at 5:11 pm
We missed opportunities with the DB’s dropping some INT’s, so they need to hit the JUGGS hard this week. The Bucs need to think long term this week and not push injured guys out there.
September 11th, 2024 at 5:22 pm
Game is looking worse and worse for us as our injury list grows with each passing day.
I am not optimistic about our changes, sorry fans. Long season ahead though.
September 11th, 2024 at 5:22 pm
*chances, not changes
September 11th, 2024 at 5:24 pm
I am not concerned about Week 2. Injuries happen. Let’s hope the team is healthy and winning consistently by the beginning of November and beyond.
September 11th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
Keys to Victory:
1. Time of Possession
The Bucs defense is decimated. They won’t be able to weather long drives. The offense needs long 7-8-9 minute drives that end in points. Long drives will keep the defense fresh and make the Lion’s offense predictable.
2. Turnovers
I agree with Baker. Bucs turnovers would be brutal (see #1). Lions turnovers would be extremely helpful (see #1).
September 11th, 2024 at 6:13 pm
NO injuries on our offense (thus far) And their defense isn’t nearly as good as their offense. We get into high 20’s/low 30’s, we have a chance
September 11th, 2024 at 6:15 pm
Annnndddddd then I read the next article…sigh
September 11th, 2024 at 6:26 pm
Believe it or not, we do have a few things going for us. Number one is the fact we lost twice last season to the Lions. Very hard to lose three in a row to any team. Number two is the fact that they won a close hard-fought game last week. It’s human nature to take your foot off the gas given those circumstances.
September 11th, 2024 at 6:26 pm
Turnovers are the key…..everywhere.
September 11th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
I agree, SlyPirate. We need to scheme short passes and a devoted run game to address Key 1. I believe Bowles is already aware of Key 2. Our defense will have its work cut out for them. This game is winnable in spite of our current injury situation.
Go Bucs!
September 11th, 2024 at 7:14 pm
HC Grover … ‘Turnovers are the key…..everywhere.’
Always. In the past 5 years, Bucs have lost 38 games (if you include playoff losses). We’ve lost the Turnover Battle in 22 of those 38 losses (sometimes very convincingly). We tied in the Turnover Battle in another 9 losses during those 5 years.
In only 7 games did we lose the game when we won the Turnover Battle. And oh ya, we played 92 total games in those 5 years, so if we win the Turnover Battle, our chances of winning the game are well over 90%. Turnover Differential is critical.
September 11th, 2024 at 7:53 pm
When Baker says it and Defense Rules explains it – take it to the Bank !! Hang on to the stinking Ball !!!
September 11th, 2024 at 7:57 pm
And a great way for all you newbies on defense to keep getting playing time – knock it loose ! Cover it up ! Pick it ! LFG !!!
September 11th, 2024 at 9:01 pm
@Beeej – Goedeke in concussion protocol. That is NOT good. Especially considering we ran much better to the right than to the left last week.
September 11th, 2024 at 9:21 pm
we lost to detroit twice last year…
and probably this sunday too…due to being so banged up so early on…
but i think it bodes well long term…
think long game boys………
so we’ll have lost 3 in a row to this team dating back to last year…
law of averages says a victory is right around the corner then…
and that could very well be in the 2024-25 playoffs…
i know that’s a long ways away, but yeah, i don’t see us losing 4 in a row to this lions team…yeah they’re good…but we’re pretty darn good too !
September 11th, 2024 at 10:43 pm
Sounds like he’s locked in on thus game. I like it.
September 11th, 2024 at 11:55 pm
What we need are a bunch of copy/pasted stats to prove one of the most obvious givens in football. Turnovers are key.
September 12th, 2024 at 3:44 am
Hello, The Bucs didn’t have Bucky Irving last year.
September 12th, 2024 at 4:45 am
Wow, I could watch that video over and over again. Baker doing a somersault and immediately getting back in formation. Perfectly done! We have a great vibe going!
September 12th, 2024 at 9:23 am
“Looking at the shots we missed, it’s frustrating to see.”
Bucs win this game. Some of those same looks will be there and this time we take advantage of it.
September 12th, 2024 at 10:21 am
IF Goedke can’t go wasn’t Cody Mauch a tackle in college?