The Bucs’ Baker Mayfield can’t sizzle without pass protection

TAMPA – Baker Mayfield is rarely at a loss for words. Play and talk a good game with high energy.

His consistent in-game sayings range from insults (“Put on some weight, little boy!”) to inspiration (“Strip your bacon, ladies and gents”).

“It’s a classic,” the Bucs quarterback said. “Very versatile expression. You can use it in many ways. I stole it from an old friend.”

What does this mean?

“Bring the juice,” he said. “… There are many things you can translate it into. Sizzle your bacon goes a long way.”

But lately, Baker hasn’t been able to cook out of pocket because his protection keeps breaking down.

Mayfield has been sacked 12 times in the past two games alone, including seven times in last Sunday’s 26-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. In fact, the Bucs rank 29th in the NFL in sacks allowed with 4.3 per game.

Mayfield’s lack of confidence in his pass protection caused him to either run out of the pocket early or hold too much of the football.

“There’s a fine line between trusting the timing of your feet,” Mayfield said. “And like I said after the game on Sunday, some of the guys in the second half were definitely on me. I’m getting a little nervous, I don’t trust him. So just trusting the timing of my footwork and just delivering the ball, going through the reads true to what they are, and if I have to make a play, make a play from there or throw it.

“So yes, there are things that everyone can do to contribute.”

Fortunately for Mayfield, right tackle Luke Goedeke could return Sunday after missing the past two games with a concussion. He practiced Wednesday and is on track to play against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Not only is Goedeke known for his pass protection, but he’s also a pretty dominant run blocker.

“Obviously, getting Luke back would be huge for us, in the passing game, but also in the running game,” Mayfield said. “I don’t think he gets enough credit for the type of mauler offensive lineman that he really is. He’s gotten a lot better in pass protection, but in the run game he’s huge for us.”

But the poor pass protection isn’t solely due to Goedeke’s absence. “There was no commonality” among the sacks the Bucs allowed in the second half Sunday, head coach Todd Bowles said.

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“We’ve got to get off the ball better and we’ve got to block it better,” he said. “Overall, offensively, as a team, we have to improve. We didn’t play our best and (the Broncos) played well.”

Mayfield didn’t see the field as well in the loss as he has in the past.

He finished 25-for-33 passing for 163 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He missed open receivers. Mike Evans had just three targets and two catches for 17 yards, but he was available on some routes Mayfield just didn’t feel like he had time to see.

How can it be done better?

“For me, I’m slowing down mentally,” Mayfield said. “I’m going through my readings a little slower. Don’t let the rush speed up my timing, read. Going through the real to what is and go from there.”

Bucs rookie center Graham Barton admitted that better pass protection was a focal point in this week’s meetings.

“We have to win one-on-ones; I think that’s part of it,” Barton said. “We talk a lot in the O-line room about it. We must be responsible for the depth of our pockets. We have to keep things off Baker’s lap so he can come in and throw. If we can do that, we can give the tackles room to work. … I thought a lot of the turnovers Denver had we handled pretty well.

“Sacks are never what you want. (Twelve) in two games is obviously too many. We have to be better. We don’t run away from it.”

Philadelphia has just four sacks this season, but the Eagles have capable pass rushers in defensive linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, and outside linebacker Josh Sweat.

If the Bucs can protect Baker, maybe the bacon will sizzle — whatever that means.

“I’m definitely getting to know Baker a little bit more and getting to know his personality,” Barton said. “You boys hit him in the head; he’s an interesting guy, but great for our team and a lot of fun to play for.”

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