Baker Mayfield brutally honest over Bucs' offensive failure vs. Panthers

Adam Schultz

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Baker Mayfield brutally honest over Bucs' offensive failure vs. Panthers image

© Jim Dedmon

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' freefall in the second half of the season has continued, with a 23-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

The loss now sees the Bucs lose six of their last seven games and gives the Panthers the lead in the NFC South race.

It was once again a game in which the Buccaneers' self-inflicted wounds plagued them, with a miscommunication on the final play between Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans resulting in a game-sealing interception.

And for Baker, speaking post-game, he left it pretty clear what he thought about the offensive performance.

"Got to win out to win the division, get in the playoffs," Mayfield said. "It's as clear as it can be. Wish we would have taken care of business today, but situation doesn't change. It sucks. Too many penalties, kept shooting ourselves in the foot, and got to finish with seven in the red zone instead of three. Same story, different day."

More: Why Buccaneers fans might not like Todd Bowles' message after Panthers loss

Buccaneers struggling as playoffs near

Yes, the Buccaneers can still win the division if they win their remaining two games, but currently on a run of form that has seen them lose six of their last seven, are we even sure they can beat the Miami Dolphins on the road next week?

Well, they have to, right?

Then the Panthers are at home to close out the season.

But in order to win their final two, the self-inflicted wounds have to stop.

Because losing to a better team is one thing, but losing when you hand them the bat to hit you over the head with, that's tough to deal with.

And right now, the Buccaneers have some soul-searching to do because after starting the year 5-1, they have fallen off a cliff, and making the playoffs now looks like a tough assignment.

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News Correspondent