Baker Mayfield: Clutch, Stats Say
July 6th, 2026
Laughs at fourth-quarter pressure.
This sort of puts a crack in the foundation of folks who think Baker Mayfield is a choke artist.
Joe knows people holler that Mayfield too often throws fourth-quarter picks. That’s not true. Both Dak Prescott and Pat Mahomes had more. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Sam Darnold (Seattle) and Denver’s Bo Nix, who led the Broncos to the AFC title game, had just as many (four).
But Mayfield, per NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, was one of the more clutch quarterbacks in the league.
Last year Mayfield guided the Tampa Bay offense to 36 first downs or touchdowns in the fourth quarter when it was a one-possession game. That was good enough for fourth-most in the league.
So in tight games late, Mayfield was adept at moving the ball. That’s a good thing, no?
Mayfield was tied with Nix in the category.
While Mayfield may not be Tom Brady when it comes to having icewater in his veins late, Mayfield’s not bad in a clutch possession.
Most first downs or TD in the 4th quarter of one-possession games in 2025…
1. Josh Allen – 42
2. Matthew Stafford – 37
3. Caleb Williams – 36
4. Bo Nix – 34
4. Baker Mayfield – 34
6. Jordan Love – 32
6. Dak Prescott – 32
6. Justin Herbert – 32
9. Jalen Hurts – 30
10. Drake Maye…
— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) March 24, 2026