Baker Mayfield’s three fumbles were the defining reason the Bucs left Cincinnati with a 33-27 loss this past Sunday.

But when Todd Bowles evaluated his offense Monday, Tampa Bay’s head coach did not see a unit in complete disarray. He saw an offense that moved the ball, scored 27 points, and showed some encouraging signs — provided it can clean up its biggest problem.

Todd Bowles Wants Baker Mayfield To Get Down And Understand The Moment

Baker Mayfield was highly efficient throwing the football in Week 1, completing 23 of 28 passes against the Bengals. Mayfield’s accuracy brought back memories of what he displayed during his career year in 2024, but his ball security told a dramatically different story. That was the biggest headline coming out of the Bucs’ first game of the season, and Todd Bowles wants him to recognize it.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

“Well, he knows he’s got to take care of the football, and we don’t want the turnovers,” Bowles said. “He doesn’t want them either. We’ve got to get better at that and understand there are times you just have to get down – understanding the play call and knowing when you’ve got the first down, knowing when the game’s on the line, and knowing when it’s not. So, obviously we don’t like the turnovers, and he’ll be better this week.”

Bowles also shared that it is too early to talk about how well offensive coordinator Zac Robinson called plays, but there are some positives to build from. As alluded to, Mayfield completing 82.1% of his passes was a stark contrast to his struggles getting into a rhythm in the second half of last season, while running back Bucky Irving appeared to look more like the dynamic player he was during his rookie year than the one who had a sophomore slump.

“I don’t think there’s an evaluation of one game,” Bowles said of Robinson and the offense’s performance. “We turned the ball over quite a bit, so you really can’t tell. We moved the ball some. [There are] some plays everybody likes to have back as a coordinator, but he’s effective in the things that we’re doing, and I like where he’s at right now.”

It is understandable that much of the blame has been on the defense in recent years with the team being led by a defensive-minded coach, but the offense under Josh Grizzard last season took a significant step back from the heights it reached under Liam Coen the year before. There is no question that the offense has to pick it up this season if the Bucs want to bounce back and be any kind of threat in the NFC.

“We scored 27 [points] and still had the turnovers, so we’ve got to do a better job not turning it over. We just want to be effective and have positive plays, and I think we can be an effective offense.”

Todd Bowles Sees Bucky Irving As A Blend Between The Hulk And Ant-Man

Todd Bowles had other remarks about the Bucs’ offense, especially about Bucky Irving.

Irving only had eight carries given the early deficit, but he averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had a touchdown. He also got involved as a receiver, leading the team with seven catches and had 48 yards. Irving’s 93 scrimmage yards were a bright spot, and Bowles wants to see him use his powers with great responsibility.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

“He was very sharp running the football-wise,” Bowles said. “Obviously, you’ve got to protect [the ball] better and understand…You know, he has some of that with Baker [Mayfield]. He understands his power is of the Hulk, but his size is probably of Ant-Man, so he’s got to understand when and when not to take on certain things in certain situations as well – at least put two hands on the ball – and he understands that.”

Emeka Egbuka’s five catches for 63 yards were another particularly encouraging sign in the passing game. It was his second-highest receiving total in a game since Week 11 of last season, despite missing significant time in training camp with a toe sprain.

Bucs WRs Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Matt Matera/PR

“I mean, it’s good,” Bowles said. “He’s still working his way back. He’s missed a lot of time, but obviously coming in and being effective early kind of helped him out going forward. As we get in better shape, going down the line for the guys that haven’t practiced too much, I think we’ll be a lot better going forward.”

Obviously, no one wants to be better moving forward than Baker Mayfield.

There will not be any shortage of motivation for Mayfield heading into Week 2. After three costly fumbles in Cincinnati, the Bucs’ franchise quarterback knows exactly what needs to change — and his $165 million contract only raises the expectations.

“Baker is a very smart guy. He understands that he has to play better and take care of the football. That comes first, and then we’ll worry about the opponent.”