The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just deliver a commanding victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 17; their performance reignited conversations about the career resurgence of quarterback Baker Mayfield, sparking reactions from unexpected voices in the football world.

The win keeps their playoff hopes alive and sets the stage for a dramatic final week. With the Falcons’ matchup still pending, Tampa Bay sits at 9-7 and temporarily regains control of the NFC South.

Baker Mayfield delivered a record-breaking performance, completing 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. The victory marked the third time this season the Buccaneers scored 40 or more points, tying them for second-most such games in the league. Mayfield tied Tom Brady’s 2021 franchise record with his eighth game of three or more passing touchdowns and now shares the NFL lead for four touchdown games this season with Lamar Jackson.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III took to social media postgame, praising Mayfield’s resilience.

“The Cleveland Browns tried to destroy Baker Mayfield’s NFL career and reputation after he helped them end the NFL’s longest post season drought and win their first playoff game in 26 years. They said they wanted an “adult” in the room,” wrote RGIII on X. “Turns out he was the “adult” in the room and Cleveland is still searching for their Franchise QB.”

This season, Baker Mayfield has recorded 386 completions for 4,279 passing yards, 39 passing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions while also contributing 310 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

The Buccaneers totaled 551 yards of offense, converting 10 of 14 third downs, and showcased why their fourth-ranked offense has them in playoff contention. Tampa Bay now enters the final week set to host the New Orleans Saints in week 18 needing a win to guarantee a divisional crown.