Bucs Need Baker Mayfield And His Mentality
March 16th, 2023
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield.
Very, very interesting piece on why the Bucs decided to roll this year with, of all people, journeyman Baker Mayfield.
For those without a deep knowledge of Mayfield, the former Heisman Trophy winner has, often unfairly, been labeled an @sshole. His cockiness and confidence (ego?) often rub people the wrong way. He’s very much an Alpha dog.
Take back in college, he rankled opponents just by being enthusiastic. He enraged Ohio State fans when, after Oklahoma beat Ohio State in Columbus, Mayfield ripped a Sooners flag from Oklahoma cheerleaders, ran to midfield and planted the Sooners flag into the turf, sort of like Chief Osceola does with a flaming spear at Florida State games.
Then at the coin toss of a game with hapless Kansas, the Jayhawks captains tried to play tough guys and refused to shake hands with Mayfield. Wrong move.
Throughout the game, Mayfield was on a mission to run the score up on Kansas as payback for the affront, and Mayfield was often seen during the game jawing at Kansas players while stalking the sidelines after a touchdown, grabbing his crotch, hollering at the Jayhawks.
That didn’t go over well either.
And Mayfield didn’t fully endear himself to his Cleveland teammates with his headstrong ways.
Well, Conor Orr of SI.com believes the Bucs need someone headstrong if not cocky right now. Why is that? Well, Orr makes the case that if the Bucs would put a rookie quarterback in the lineup, he may mentally melt down from all the pressure of being the guy who replaced Tom Brady.
Orr believes there was a method to the madness of Bill Belicheat when Brady came to the Bucs.
Belicheat signed another headstrong quarterback who was past his prime, Cam Newton, to take the pressure and the heat of being Brady’s successor.
Even one of the most notoriously narrative-averse people in NFL history, whose calculated decisions were always about business, could recognize the crushing, black-hole type weight that would have been placed on a rookie quarterback had the Patriots decided to go that route in 2020. Similarly, Belichick realized what it would look like to have Newton hanging around once Jones was on campus, so he released the former league MVP before the ’21 campaign.
This is a long way of saying that perhaps that knowledge was passed on. Jason Licht, the Buccaneers’ general manager and former Patriots’ director of pro personnel, signed Baker Mayfield on Wednesday to help fill the void left behind by Brady. And while I’m not comparing Newton to Mayfield, I’m acknowledging that Mayfield has been left no choice throughout his career but to become incredibly comfortable with the idea of being Baker Mayfield. Maybe it is part of the reason he’s here, battling for another chance to reclaim a long-term starting role. But maybe it’s also the reason he’s here, and not cast away as some XFL-worthy curiosity.
Orr believes Licht has learned from the master and his former boss, Belicheat, and that Mayfield will be to the Bucs as Newton was to the Belicheats: The one-year cushion between Brady and the new franchise quarterback who won’t have the pressure of replacing Brady.
Instead, the new Bucs quarterback in 2024 will only have to be better than Mayfield. That plateau is much easier to reach than getting folks to forget Brady.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:11 am
Very plausible explanation. But to me, this signals that Trask may be finished as a Buc. If he doesn’t win the starting QB role in 2023, he will never be the Buc’s No. 1 QB. And it’s sad he never had an opportunity to show the fans what he’s capable of.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:11 am
This is BS. The Bucs didn’t have the money to go after better QB’s so the went with Mayfield. Simple as that.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:12 am
Of course, I should have followed that up with…. If Mayfield wins the division and gets the Bucs into the playoffs, no one will care that Trask didn’t have a chance to show us what he’s made of.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:13 am
It is rumored that Mayfield because of all his “Moxie” aka “attitude” projects as not a good LOOKEROOM guy….this is nothing new Joe.
He essentially ran himself outta Cleaveland thinking he was “ALL THAT”, then tried to pull that stunt in Carolina, and found the hard way that his isn’t Cleaveland for a good NFL Franchise and you will benched due to performance and not due to what position you were drafted in as Cleaveland has done so many times in the past giving bad players a starting job even though they didn’t deserve it.
Now he’s here hoping to regain his title as a Franchise QB again after all his failures.
The Bucs honestly don’t need Baker……..they just don’t need any of THAT.
Baker was signed to sell tickets and not to move this Franchise forward….he’s a placeholder for a better opportunity.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:15 am
Let’s hope Arians has great influence on Mayfield………Interesting to see the Bowles/Mayfield contrast….you couldn’t find more different personalities.
We need some fire on this team…..badly. Have at it Baker!!!
March 16th, 2023 at 8:25 am
Track the sales of Mayfield Jersey sales. This will tell you how many fans are excited about Mayfields addition to the team. JW 2.0
March 16th, 2023 at 8:26 am
🤷🏻♂️ so we’re stuck with the bum because the Bucs are afraid that Trask or whatever rookie they draft would be overwhelmed by playing as Brady’s successor? Idk, isn’t it also possible that a QB would see that as an opportunity to make a name for themselves; leading the team that Brady could only win 8 games with in his last year and having more success?
March 16th, 2023 at 8:32 am
This is the “knock” on Baker. It’s justified, and I get why not everyone is on board.
I would like to point out the difference between the BA-led Bucs versus the Bowles-led Bucs: swagger. Did you notice the swagger had gone? There was no energy on offense.
Maybe this is their way of trying to inject some enthusiasm and energy into what was a lifeless offense last year.
I don’t dislike the move. I think Baker has as much to gain as the Bucs. As long as we’re winning, I can handle the “outbursts/attitude.”
March 16th, 2023 at 8:32 am
Please wake up people….the Bucs are in a very poor position because of the run for the super bowl with a veteran lawn team….aka..Rams. Mayfield has a ton of ability ….11- 5 one year with a playoff appearance. If Canales can temper Mayfield’ s emotions perhaps we have a real QBto replace Brady. His talent is not questioned…his mental focus is the issue along with many changes in coaches, systems etc. Give him a chance guys, he was far and away our best chance. We can only hope that Canales, Arians and our veteran receiving Corp can temper this guy….see Geno Smith whose success last year has been directly mainly attributed to Canales…
March 16th, 2023 at 8:32 am
Love baker at 4 million. This is the right deal for this team in 2023. I love what bucs have done the
Last 5 years…from 2019-2023. Folks you got to look at the whole
Picture and what we did since Arians was named head coach. We are on the back side
Of a successful run, this is where you transition to new Talent and stay ahead
Of curve. Fans have to be smart and understand what the 2023 season really is: a bridge to the next legit run.
I dont see the same path for Saints and Panthers. I think Atlanta and Tampa
Are doing whats
Best for long run. Baker at 4 million is the right move regardless if he turns out to be winston 2.0
.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:34 am
Remind me again what Cams record was following TB12? I don’t hate the Mayfield signing but cmon man, this post is pure cope.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:41 am
happy the bucs signed him…
this just might be a nice fit post brady…
if he flops out hard, in comes trask if he’s number 2…
if trask is still number 3 this year, we know where he’s really at…
also this is baker’s last real shot at redemption – if this doesn’t go well he’s relegated to being a career back up moving forward from the bucs
March 16th, 2023 at 8:42 am
will he get commercials lol
March 16th, 2023 at 8:42 am
I hope that Mayfield is Great this season!
I hope that Trask is Greater!!!
March 16th, 2023 at 8:43 am
He sucks. What a stupid reasoning. We need someone headstrong because we had Brady?? No one in their right mind is expecting these guys to be Brady or as good… duuuummmmbbbb
March 16th, 2023 at 8:45 am
Quite the juxtaposition of consecutive Mayfield articles. He’s definitely a bit of a rah rah guy. And yes, maybe that’s what this team needs right about now. Very curious to see what the new OC does with him. Seems to be the type of quarterback he would prefer to run the offense from a tools perspective.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:46 am
I love that one “Joe” keeps trying to gas up the signing and the other “Joe” clearly hates it. 🤣 y’all must have some nice debates on the matter.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:50 am
Just saw Baker’s and Brissett’s salary breakdown. Man did the Bucs get a Sweet Deal!. Has anyone noticed that every time Jaymiss opens his mouth, nothing good comes out if it for the most part? He is what he is I guess.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:56 am
Brady was very forgetful his last year with us. I don’t see a problem with Trask taking over but I truly don’t feel like he’s going to beat out Mayfield. Besides I wonder if they’ll start shooting commercials of RJ stadium being Mayfield’s home now.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:58 am
Watch, we’ll be in the playoffs again and all of the Baker haters will be dumbfounded silent….im glad we signed him…he fits
March 16th, 2023 at 8:59 am
Fools Gold
March 16th, 2023 at 9:03 am
Brady’s performance in 2022 was far from memorable. He benefitted from Joe’s rose-colored glasses. Rodgers did pretty well following Farve, which is a better comparison. Nobody knew what Rodgers would be. Also, Baker has been humbled. His talent is immense. Go back and look at his post-combine draft assessments. This is his last chance. He remembers what it felt like to be a non-scholarship walkon. Thanks to our GM, Buccaneers will have the best roster in the NFC South and low expectations. If you are a true Buccaneer fan, Licht has given you the gift of hope.
March 16th, 2023 at 9:06 am
Mayfield is an underperformer – you need look no further than Winston having a higher career passer rating than Mayfield. IF it is a truly FAIR competition at QB – Trask will beat out Mayfield , but I have SERIOUS doubts concerning the FAIR part. Watch the running game when each is in with the #1 offense , because running the ball is about attitude and that is where you will see who the Oline wants as their leader. Licht is becoming more wasteful with $$ in a year where he needed to be frugal and smart.
March 16th, 2023 at 9:19 am
Sounds like a toxic kind of guy that is going to polarize the locker room if he doesn’t win right away. An alpha dog that is a loser won’t succeed with the players or the fans. Bucs got this guy on the cheap and he needs to perform or he is going to be booted out of the NFL. I really don’t care what his mentality is, if he doesn’t win he is outta here. Following Brady is going to be nearly impossible so he better get ready for the fan base that won’t put up with his antics.
March 16th, 2023 at 9:31 am
Maybe the post game pressers after the latest loss will be fun. McKay always had a knack for them. Trask will be basking in Benchsittersburg. Are they saving him for next year with a new coach and players?
March 16th, 2023 at 9:59 am
Is it too much to ask to wait and see how Mayfield vs Trask competition during pre season plays out?
March 16th, 2023 at 10:09 am
Bowlzo might not be a good head coach, but he wants to keep this job and the only way to do that is to win. He will not play Mayfield over Trask if Trask gives him a better chance at winning.
March 16th, 2023 at 10:15 am
Lots of good posts^^^^
Here’s a somewhat different take.
Trask is known as a “team guy” who waits patiently behind a QB1 and then “balls out” when he gets the chance.
This tells me he has the talent, but not the “killer instinct” it takes to “earn” the starting job. Until he develops that killer instinct he doesn’t belong in the NFL as anything but a back-up.
Can he compete with Baker and develop that “killer instinct”?
That’s what I’m hoping for.
March 16th, 2023 at 10:15 am
By signing BM this season will be more entertaining than last season! Hopefully it’s on the field instead of off the field! Either way I’m easily amused!!! LFG!!
March 16th, 2023 at 10:18 am
No, a QB that over-reacts is not the mentality the Bucs players need. They need a QB that can calm them and get the team settled into the longer haul of the season.
None of the FA QBs, except Jimmy GQ, had that. It is possible that Trask does, if the players who spoke up for him know what they are talking about.
I will trust offensive players over Licht and Bowles cleaner’s guesses of how offense works.
March 16th, 2023 at 10:20 am
I liked Trask in college unfortunately due to being a 3rd string qb other then in practice mocking other teams offense he hasn’t had much of a chance to show him self…
Baker was also a good college qb and played well at times in the pros..
I honestly know nothing of the man’s personality and how it rubs people.
I would imagine he will bring his A game to boost his chance of another big pay day here or else where.
He has weapons..2 elite receivers 1 good rec and 2 decent backs..
I like for us to get some more speed in the wr room and a tight end who is threat in the pass game and blocks great as well.
O line needs some tooling now…
Lt? Lg? C good Rg? Rt great…
Oline needs to be able to run the ball to create holes.
I think the bucs pick baker up thinking maybe he can create a spark and play well but if he doesn’t we can then send Trask out and not look like we put it all on a essentially a rookie -playing time type player.
We as fans can’t get to high or low right now because the product is unfinished and we still live in a weak division..
Will Carr make saints better? Will panthers figure out how to turn it around so fast? Atl has did less than us to improve so I just can’t say anyone is a lock at this point.. obviously the saints show the most threat.
On paper we look like a one n done team.
March 16th, 2023 at 10:30 am
That is silly.
March 16th, 2023 at 10:58 am
No idea who will win the competition if there even is one, but do you think Baker Mayfield is scared of one team on our schedule? Could you say the same about Kyle Trask?
March 16th, 2023 at 11:09 am
I’ll see your Derek Carr and raise you a Baker Mayfield… 🙂
March 16th, 2023 at 11:11 am
As a Browns and avid Baker fan, excited to see how he does for you guys. I hope he lights it up. I will be following your team closely this year and wish you well this season. Go Bucs
March 16th, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Mayfield has been DUMPED by 3 teams in 2 yrs. I’m no gambler or stat man. But it seems to me his trajectory is far from up. Just sayin…We will see. If this new OC QB whisperer can motivate him and correct some things. But as a Buc fan for over 40 yrs? I am Not optimistic about our QB situation. Remember, you gotta have a consistent good QB to win consistently in this league. There is no hiding. GO BUCS and good luck to Mayfield..He’s gonna need it.
March 16th, 2023 at 12:39 pm
The Bucs don’t need a guy to take sacks because he doesn’t see the field well. And it’s. It headstrong it’s head weak. Cockiness forms from fear. Behavior has been long studied for generations. Nobody’s fooling the ones who know
March 16th, 2023 at 12:50 pm
LOL as opposed to Tom Brady.
STOP
March 16th, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Good article, Joe. It brought up interesting thoughts.
March 16th, 2023 at 1:21 pm
The Bucs need Baker and his career 226 ypg average.
FFS Joe. Have an open mind with Trask.
March 16th, 2023 at 2:58 pm
Several weeks back I wrote on this site about this very possibility. Now, if Mayfield works out this fall as a bridge QB, then the Bucs can always extend him. If he doesn’t, then the Bucs can look to the draft for the QB of the future. Either way, the Bucs will be entering rebuild mode. Bowles is too incompetent to take them to the Superbowl and they need to get rid of the pricey veterans so that they can rebuild a team with young players that can contribute for years. Bowles is delusional if the thinks he can make it back to the Superbowl, but Mayfield is a wild card who defiinitely take the Bucs deep into the playoffs if he plays a consistent game. Go Bucs.
March 16th, 2023 at 3:12 pm
I’d like to see Mayfield be an alpha dog, like Suh was. We need alpha dogs instead of Poodle pups
March 16th, 2023 at 6:34 pm
Vlad loves Mayfield after reading this post.
Yes! The Bucs absolutely need someone like that
to succeed Brady…
…not to mention Vlad is just a fan of well-intentioned cockiness.
March 16th, 2023 at 9:41 pm
So this Joe’s speculation is that Mayfield is a one-year rental specifically brought into to provide fun and hijinks towards the eventual and necessary total blowup of the team. Fine if true, and that blowup does happen.
Bring in the cockiest fool you can find, let him try to be the god he thinks he is. If he fails or succeeds, it’s all good, as long as the leash is short and the cost never exceeds cheap.
Cam Newton was a disaster for the Patriots, who prolonged and delayed what they needed to do.
Mayfield and Trask are not that different in that both have been dissed and disrespected underdogs throughout, both hot s— college QBs who haven’t proven themselves worthy. Let them foam at the mouth competing with each other.