Mayfield points to intermittent headset problems in Buccaneers’ loss
Baker Mayfield said communication issues delayed Tampa Bay’s offensive operation during its 33–27 defeat by Cincinnati, while four turnovers undermined the Buccaneers’ performance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has attributed delays in the offence during the team’s 33–27 Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals to intermittent headset problems.
Mayfield said the issue affected Tampa Bay’s first drive and occurred sporadically later in the game. The Buccaneers were often late reaching the line of scrimmage and could not make their usual offensive checks.
He said the equipment appeared to work during sideline testing but failed at times on the field, while stressing that it was not an excuse for the defeat. Mayfield said Tampa Bay needed to move in and out of the huddle more quickly.
The Buccaneers also committed four turnovers, including three fumbles by Mayfield. Yahoo Sports’ source material identifies the turnovers as the main reason for Tampa Bay’s defeat.
The offence otherwise produced encouraging figures. Mayfield completed 82 per cent of his passes and recorded a 98.8 passer rating, while Tampa Bay converted five of 10 third downs and scored 27 points, above its average of 22.4 points per game last season.
The game was Tampa Bay’s first since losing receiver Mike Evans in the off-season. The Buccaneers were scheduled to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
