Baker Mayfield blames sweaty ball for crucial interception in stunning upset

Baker Mayfield failed to exact revenge on his former team in the Bucs’ loss to the Browns on Sunday.Mayfield went 21 of 34 for 182 yards, one touchdown and one interception while getting sacked three times in Tampa Bay’s 23-19 loss.The Bucs kicked field goals on their first two possessions, but the Browns began turning the tide when they intercepted Mayfield late in the first quarter on a pass to Ted Hurst III.

“It’s no excuse, but I kind of had a little bit of a sweaty ball,” Mayfield said.“At that point, if I can’t put the ball in a perfect position on the sideline, because the throw is there, the guy’s got depth, but he’s not all the way to the sideline…just sucks.”The Browns’ defense forced Mayfield to miss several targets, making for an ugly performance from the former first overall pick.

Tampa Bay was driving when a lengthy weather delay stalled the fourth quarter, and they could not execute when play resumed over two hours later.When the 2026 schedule was released in June, Mayfield said he’d had the game against the Browns circled.Yet, on Sunday, he emphasized that the loss hurt because it sunk the Bucs to 0-2, not because of who beat them.“It just stings more because we’re 0-2,” Mayfield said.“Frustrated because it’s close,” he continued.

“You can feel it.You can see it.

We’re moving the ball at times, and then just shooting ourselves in the foot.So, that makes it more frustrating when you know you’re right there.”Mayfield signed a new three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Bucs earlier this month that kicks in next year and keeps him in Tampa Bay through the 2029 season....