Buccaneers reveal 1 key reason for low turnover margin

The 6-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun the season in superb fashion, and we don't have to look too far back to see the skeptics of Todd Bowles' team entering the year.

With Baker Mayfield at the helm, this Tampa Bay team is every bit an NFC contender and possibly more, and it has been the team's ability to not turn the ball over on offense, but also get takeaways on defense, that has powered the team to its 6-2 record.

Mayfield has just two interceptions on the year (six fumbles, though), after leading the league with 16 last season, and the Buccaneers have the third-best turnover differential in football (+7) with just five offensive turnovers and 12 defensive takeaways.

But what has been the catalyst for Bowles' team to be so good when it comes to the turnover margin?

"Probably the quarterback, understanding where he has to go with the ball, understanding making those decisions, when to throw it away, when to eat it, not putting the ball in danger, not putting us in harm's way," Bowles said. "Baker has a good feel on how the game is being played, not just offensively, but defensively as well.

"So, he knows when he can take shots and when he doesn't take shots. I think he's just been doing a good job taking care of the football."

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Mayfield again playing at Pro Bowl level

Baker was in the MVP discussion before the loss to the Detroit Lions, and even after the 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints, Mayfield isn't at the top of the conversation.

But that doesn't mean he isn't playing well.

Through eight games, Mayfield has thrown for 1,919 yards, 13 touchdowns, two interceptions, is completing 63.9 percent of his passes, has a 98.1 passer rating, and a 61.0 QBR, his highest since 2020.

But it has been his ability to reel in those interceptions that has helped this offense function, with just two in eight games. That will always put his team in a position to win games, and ironically, the two games he had an interception are the two games Tampa Bay lost.

The Buccaneers are flying high right now, and Mayfield's ability to keep the football out of harm's way is a big reason why.

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