Baker Mayfield takes a low hit and the NFL responds

The hit on Baker Mayfield during Tampa Bay’s loss to the Buffalo Bills did not go unnoticed. The NFL stepped in and issued punishment, sending a clear message about quarterback protection and consistent officiating.

In the final seconds, Baker Mayfield threw from the pocket and Joey Bosa hit him low. The quarterback avoided serious injury, but the contact sparked immediate debate. According to Essentiallysports, the league fined Bosa $17,389, reinforcing its strict stance on low hits.

Discipline extended beyond Bosa. Running back Ty Johnson received a $10,777 fine for an unsportsmanlike touchdown celebration. Still, Baker Mayfield’s case stood out, especially with Tampa Bay struggling through two consecutive defeats that stalled its early-season momentum.

Mayfield and the team’s response

Beyond the fine, Baker Mayfield emphasized that the locker room held a candid talk after the Week 10 loss. That meeting gave the group new energy. Against the Bills, the Buccaneers’ rushing attack delivered one of its best performances, surpassing 200 rushing yards thanks to Sean Tucker’s explosive runs.

For Baker Mayfield, the key was focus and collective responsibility. “When you run the ball like that, everyone stays locked in and does their job,” he said after the game.

The quarterback insisted the team accepted responsibility for mistakes and executed with more precision, even if decisive plays slipped away. Baker Mayfield believes that mentality must carry into Week 12.

The challenge against the Rams

The schedule offers no rest. Tampa Bay will travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams, who lead the NFC with an 8-2 record. With Matthew Stafford guiding a high-powered offense and a defense capable of controlling tempo, the challenge is massive. Baker Mayfield knows the Buccaneers must match the Rams’ intensity and efficiency to regain ground in the conference.

The fine on Bosa and Tampa Bay’s losing streak place Baker Mayfield at the center of the NFL narrative. Between controversial hits, league discipline, and pressure to win, the quarterback aims to keep the Buccaneers competitive and prove the team’s response is real.

The league’s decision impacts more than the players involved. It reignites debate about quarterback safety and the need for consistent enforcement. For Baker Mayfield, the next chapter is proving that Tampa Bay can recover its competitive identity despite recent setbacks.