Jalon Daniels gave the Buccaneers a reminder on Sunday of exactly why Baker Mayfield can’t get back soon enough.
The rookie quarterback started out just fine against the Pittsburgh Steelers, steering Tampa Bay to a 16-3 lead by playing within the offense and taking what was there. Then the game turned. Daniels lost control in the second half, missing open throws and throwing two interceptions that swung the night the wrong way.
That rough finish wiped out any lingering chatter about a quarterback battle in Tampa Bay. After what Daniels showed against Pittsburgh, the Buccaneers are simply waiting for Mayfield to return from injury.
Daniels finished 22-of-43 for 164 yards with a touchdown and two picks. He was also sacked five times and, at points, looked uneasy handling pressure in the pocket. It stood out as his worst outing in three starts, especially after he had completed more than 70% of his passes in each of his first two games as the starter.
The turnovers were especially painful because of when they came. Both interceptions arrived in the fourth quarter while the Buccaneers were protecting a one-possession lead. That’s the kind of mistake sequence that flips a game, and it did exactly that.
For Daniels, it was another harsh lesson that the flashes are real, but so are the growing pains. He has shown enough in three starts to hint at upside, but the accuracy, decision-making and pocket presence still need work before he can be counted on every week.
Tampa Bay accepted that risk when it went with him as the backup instead of a more established veteran option. But this stretch as a starter may still end up being valuable for the long haul. He’s getting reps, tape and experience that should serve him well down the road.
By next offseason, Daniels will have a full second year ahead of him with real starting experience already in the bank. If he can clean up the mistakes that have followed him so far, the Buccaneers could end up with a far more polished backup quarterback in 2027.
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