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Baker Mayfield Has a Downward Trend in PFF Rankings After Buccaneers' 0-2 Start
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- Baker Mayfield Has a Downward Trend in PFF Rankings After Buccaneers' 0-2 Start
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ' 2026 season has gone off track quickly. They opened with a 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals after turning the ball over four times on fumbles, including three in the first half. The Bucs then returned home and fell 23-19 to the Cleveland Browns , dropping to 0-2.
Mayfield has been unable to settle the offense. Through two games, he is 44-of-62 for 398 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His 86.6 passer rating and 6.4 yards per attempt show a passing attack that has struggled to create consistent production . The loss to the Browns was particularly frustrating because Tampa Bay held a 16-6 lead in the third quarter.
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Mayfield finished 21-of-34 for 182 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was also sacked three times. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him No. 15 in its quarterback rankings entering Week 3 , marking a "trending down" status. The outlet also noted his 57.8 grade which is the sixth-lowest among qualified quarterbacks, while his 13.1% negatively graded play rate is the fourth-worst through two weeks.
Mayfield's mistakes during Week 1 were especially damaging since Tampa Bay's four lost fumbles contributed to 24 points for the Bengals. His best passing play against Cleveland was a 49-yard connection with Tez Johnson , but Tampa Bay struggled to create enough explosive plays consistently.
Is There Reason for Tampa Bay to Panic? Given Their Massive Commitment to Mayfield
The timing makes the current situation more interesting. Just before the 2026 season, Tampa Bay agreed to a three-year extension worth $165 million, with the deal keeping Mayfield under contract through the 2029 season. At $55 million per year, the deal made him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
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The decision was based on much more than his first two games. From 2023 through 2025, Mayfield helped Tampa Bay win two NFC South titles and ranked second in the NFL in touchdown passes and third in passing yards during that span, according to the Buccaneers.
The immediate concern is whether Mayfield can begin playing closer to the quarterback Tampa Bay believed it was locking up through 2029. Two games do not erase Mayfield's previous three seasons in Tampa Bay. He has already shown that he can operate this offense at a high level, and the Buccaneers themselves described the new contract as a commitment to a quarterback who had established himself as the franchise leader.
he Buccaneers now face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 27, at 4:05 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium. Minnesota enters the matchup undefeated, making it a difficult spot for an 0-2 Tampa Bay team.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
