Baker Mayfield has taken a beating behind Bucs offensive line

The Buccaneers have plenty of offensive problems through three games, but one number helps explain why things have looked so difficult. Baker Mayfield has been sacked 13 times, the most of any quarterback in the NFL. Mayfield was sacked four times against Cincinnati, three times against Cleveland, and six times against Minnesota. For comparison, he was sacked 36 times during the entire 2025 season. At his current pace, Mayfield would blow past that number, although his thumb injury will now keep him off the field for at least the next few weeks.

The offensive line deserves plenty of the criticism. Tampa Bay has struggled to handle pressure, particularly along the interior, and communication has been an issue since Week 1. Against Minnesota, those problems were combined with costly penalties. Cody Mauch and Graham Barton were called for holding on consecutive plays after the Bucs reached the Vikings' three-yard line. Luke Goedeke later erased an 85-yard touchdown by Chris Godwin Jr. with another hold. Mayfield was hit 12 times and sacked six times in the loss.