Baker Mayfield has been putting up MVP numbers since the start of the season. Even in a year packed with elite quarterback performances, he’s managed to stand out. But Monday night’s loss to the Detroit Lions was easily his roughest outing of the season, and people are wondering: Did that game just dent his MVP chances?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored a season low nine points vs the Lions, and Mayfield had a 23.7 quarterback rating. He went 28/50, racked up 228 yards, along with a touchdown and a pick. It was arguably his worst performance since the Eagles game, where he went 22/40 and had an 18.7 QBR. Worst of all, he put up these numbers against a duct-taped Detroit defense that was without all four starting defensive backs – D.J. Reed, Arnold, and Joseph were out with injury, while Brian Branch was suspended after the post-game brawl vs the Chiefs.

This has definitely raised concerns about Mayfield’s MVP chances. But according to The Athletic’s Dan Pompei, the Lions’ setback shouldn’t affect his MVP hopes. “Losing on the road against a favored Lions team without Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving (and then losing Mike Evans in the second quarter) hardly disqualifies Baker Mayfield from being an MVP favorite,” Pompei wrote. But is this narrative really acceptable?

Well, one bad performance shouldn’t turn the hopes upside down. Yes, he played against an injury-stricken Lions offense, but he also played without a lot of his weapons. And while the Bucs got Mike Evans back from injury, it only lasted until the second quarter.

Add in the fact that he was pressured all night long. He was sacked four times against an intense Lions’ pass rush. When you have the complete picture, Mayfield’s performance against the Lions isn’t as concerning as it looks on the stat sheets. But what he needs to worry about is the competition.

Patrick Mahomes is back to his best after a slow start, and running backs like Jonathan Taylor and Christian McCaffery are making a legitimate case to be in the MVP conversation. But the Chiefs are only 4-3 and a slip away from missing the playoffs. And the last running back to win an MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012 (after rushing for 2,097 yards).

Simply put, Mayfield has done more for his team than any other player in the league. “Mayfield has led the Bucs to four fourth-quarter comeback victories and a 5-2 record, tied with five others for best in the conference,” Pompei wrote.

“He has done this without many of the offensive teammates who were supposed to be difference makers. His leadership has been as impactful as his passing, and through seven weeks, no player has been more valuable to his team’s success,” he added. So, yeah, there’s still the chance.

That loss against the Lions? As per Mayfield, it was a major because of poor officiating.

Mayfield criticises the referee’s decision in the Lions game

The Bucs vs Lions matchup didn’t really live up to the hype on the scoreboard. But it sure gave us a bit of controversy that’ll be a talking point for the next few weeks. For many, it’s hard not to point out the referee’s controversial calls.

The biggest controversy came in the second quarter when a short completion to tight end Cade Otton was overturned after review and ruled an interception by Arthur Maulet. The problem? The rule clearly states that when two players have simultaneous possession, the ball goes to the offense.

Then in the fourth quarter, things got even messier. The refs took a second look at another Otton catch that was originally ruled a first down. And after a second review, they reversed it, giving the Lions the ball and their timeout back.

Pretty frustrating for the Bucs. But no one was more frustrated than Baker Mayfield. “A third down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, and also still pretty damn confused about the double review,” Mayfield said.

“A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable. I work my a-s off, and I put a lot into this game. So when [calls are made] that I don’t think are deemed fair, I’m going to let somebody know,” the quarterback added.

There’s no doubt the Buccaneers had a few tough breaks Monday night. Some close calls just didn’t go their way. But let’s be real, this loss wasn’t just about bad luck. The Lions came out sharper, faster, and simply outplayed Tampa Bay on both sides of the ball.