Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Baker Mayfield Powers Short-Handed Buccaneers Past 49ers 30-19 as MVP Buzz Builds

A thinned receiving corps sharpened his early MVP case.

Overview

  • Mayfield went 17-of-23 for 256 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, guiding Tampa Bay to 5-1 and a rare non–last-minute win.
  • Facing 3rd-and-14, Mayfield escaped a near-sack for a first down, then hit rookie Tez Johnson for a 45-yard score two plays later for Johnson’s first NFL touchdown.
  • Tampa Bay finished without its top four receivers after Emeka Egbuka exited with a hamstring injury, as depth options Kameron Johnson and Tez Johnson delivered touchdown catches.
  • Mayfield credited the replacement receivers for preparation and resilience, reinforcing growing league-wide chatter about his early-season MVP candidacy.
  • San Francisco fell to 4-2 and lost All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to a serious right ankle injury that required an air cast, as Tampa’s defense added six sacks and two interceptions including Jamel Dean’s late pick.