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Baker Mayfield: Sunday's win was a statement of our potential

Baker Mayfield joked that his right thumb felt a bit tender because he spent so much time handing the ball off to his teammates. Returning from a three-game absence due to a thumb dislocation, Mayfield threw only 11 passes in a 43-13 victory over the Panthers, improving the Buccaneers' record to 2-5.

Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker, and Kenneth Gainwell combined for 246 rushing yards on 45 carries. Mayfield viewed the win as an internal signal of the team's capabilities and complementary football, though he acknowledged that every game will not be perfect.

While the team started 1-5, this first NFC South matchup provides confidence heading into next week's game against the Falcons.

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Buccaneers lead 9-0 as Baker Mayfield has 0 completions, Michael Penix has 3 interceptions