Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield has great response to lack of 1 offensive element

Adam Schultz

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Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield has great response to lack of 1 offensive element image

© David Reginek

One of the biggest weapons in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive arsenal over the first portion of the season was Baker Mayfield's ability to scramble.

Not only that, but to scramble and keep drives alive on third down with big gains. Baker, in his first six games, had at least 13 rushing yards per game, which might not sound like a lot, but many of them were keeping drives alive.

But over the past three weeks? Baker's rushing ability has been nonexistent, no rush yards, no attempts, nothing.

Why is that?

"I think first, schematically, obviously starting in Detroit, they started with the spy defense on third down, some of that stuff," Mayfield said. "Just disciplined in the rush lanes, for me, not feeling like I was able to get up to full speed scrambling to throw, which is what I try and do every time. But sometimes earlier in the season, the run lanes were there.

"So, looking to throw and as I get healthier, still trying to take advantage of whatever they're giving me."

More: Buccaneers handed surprise grade despite Patriots loss

Buccaneers face huge Bills test

After the New England Patriots loss last week, the Buccaneers need to get back on the winner's list, and it is even more pressing when Tampa Bay then has the Los Angeles Rams on the schedule next.

At 6-3, and still in control of the NFC South, the Buccaneers want to be seen as a genuine contender. 

That thought took a back seat after last week's loss, but roll into Highmark Stadium and beat Josh Allen and Buffalo? Yeah, then the conversation might shift. And maybe getting Mayfield to use his legs a little more might help the offense stay on the field, because one way to beat Allen is to keep him on the sidelines.

The Buccaneers know how big this Week 11 game is, and maybe this will be where the shackles come off and Mayfield, as a running threat, re-emerges.

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Senior Editor