Super Bowl-winning CB Jason McCourty points to Baker Mayfield's turnovers as deciding factor against Panthers

Following their 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost seven of their last eight games amid another in-season swoon under head coach Todd Bowles.

While the Buccaneers defense has been problematic, quarterback Baker Mayfield has not been nearly as sharp as his MVP play from earlier in the season. In the Week 17 loss to Miami alone, Mayfield committed all three of Tampa Bay's turnovers (two interceptions, one lost fumble), leading to Bowles seemingly tossing him under the bus when discussing the team's rash of turnovers.

Super Bowl champion cornerback and current analyst Jason McCourty appeared on Tuesday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up" and pointed to Mayfield's ability to take care of the ball as a deciding factor when the Buccaneers (7-9) face the Carolina Panthers (8-8) for a second time in three weeks with the NFC South title up for grabs.

Jason McCourty highlights Baker Mayfield's interceptions as key to Buccaneers' success

"Baker Mayfield, the interceptions that he's had. The last four games, he's thrown five interceptions, three of which have come in the fourth quarter," McCourty said. "At one point this season, we were talking about him as an MVP candidate and this team was winning games despite the injuries. Since then, they have really struggled defensively. On the offensive side of the ball, they need Baker Mayfield to protect the rock."