Quarterback Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers left Raymond James Stadium feeling down after Tampa lost to the Commanders by a score of 23-20, which brought their playoff journey to an abrupt end.

The defeat was particularly hard for Mayfield, especially since his fumble in the fourth quarter completely shifted the momentum of the NFC wild-card game, leading to a crucial touchdown for the Commanders and ultimately setting the stage for the game-winning field goal later that Sunday night.

Reflecting on his performance, Mayfield took ownership of the critical fumble, acknowledging that the timing was off and recognizing the impact it had on the game. Despite the exceptional efforts of the defensive unit in providing opportunities, Mayfield attributed the unfortunate turn of events to himself.

The fumble came four plays after Tampa Bay stopped Washington on fourth and goal from the 3-yard line.

On a first-and-10 on their own 15-yard-line, Mayfield went for what appeared to be a play-action but instead fumbled the ball as Jalen McMillan came across for the fake handoff. 

The ball ended up flying out of Mayfield’s hands and onto the ground, creating a mad scramble for it and ending with the Commanders’ Bobby Wagner coming away with possession at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line. 

The Bucs had led 17-13 at the time of the error and it took Washington four plays to find the end zone and take a 20-17 lead with 9:46 left in the game. 

Broadcast footage later showed Mayfield on the sideline taking ownership of the error on the fumble. 

The Buccaneers did go down the field on their following possession to tie the score at 20 off a 32-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin 

However, with nearly five minutes left on the clock, the Bucs gave the Commanders another chance with the ball and Washington took full advantage. 

The 51-yard drive was capped by a 37-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez that clanked off the uprights and made its way through for the win with no time left.