Baker Mayfield Confirms He Had A Head-Start On Learning Bucs Offense
August 28th, 2023
Played in similar offense.
One reason Joe thought Baker Mayfield might be a savvy, buy-low-sell-high investment was where Mayfield played last season.
Mayfield put out some bad football on tape the past couple of seasons. Except when he started four games last year for the Rams and Sean McVay, one of the top offensive minds in the game.
So what does that have to do with the Bucs? Well, the offenses are similar, Mayfield pointed out.
“Similar to the L.A. [Rams] system that I had the five-game stretch with at the end of the year,” Mayfield said Saturday night after the Bucs beat the Crows to end the worthless preseason. “Like we mentioned, it’s about the marriage of the run and pass. You have to have that and that’s where we are headed.”
One could argue that Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales is a limb off the McVay tree as Canales worked as an assistant to Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Prior to arriving in Seattle, Waldron worked as McVay’s right-hand man in Los Angeles for four years, two of which Waldron served as the Rams’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
So just hearing Mayfield talk, it seems Canales brought a lot of techniques and influence from Waldron when he came to the Bucs.
That could be why Mayfield only had one of 14 passes in the worthless preseason hit the ground. He already had an early grasp of the offense.
August 28th, 2023 at 2:49 pm
For $4M + incentives – Mayfield was easily the best options the Bucs had to bring in as a potential starting QB.
And the Bucs offered Baker his best opportunity to re-establish himself as a legit starting NFL Quarterback.
A match made in heaven – potentially…….
I guess we’ll find out soon enough how much “moxie” matters.
August 28th, 2023 at 3:02 pm
One outcome I’m pondering is if Baker kills it this year, wants a gazillion dollar contract, Bucs let him walk and use the last year of Trask’s rookie contract, now that it’s been established, he can play
August 28th, 2023 at 3:03 pm
Hey Joe, after watching Falcons tape, I have a feeling there offense is going to be a player in this division. That run game Robinson is going to a force. Robinson caught a pass handed, didn’t look like he even had a doubt that he might drop it. Go Bucs!
August 28th, 2023 at 3:31 pm
He had a head start and Task looked better. I am not a gator fan. Didn’t watch a gator game and don’t even know who their QB is. Never much interested in college ball. I go by what I see. Baker has looked good so far. He only throws short for the most part part. Trask has thrown every type of pass and has looked more than capable. I think if Mayfield can keep the ints in check he could have a good year. But can he. Winston was the same way.
August 28th, 2023 at 3:51 pm
Jensen should have been told to get the surgery he obviously needed , or if he refused work out an injury settlement and part ways. The whole Jensen situation was mishandled and had it been handled properly Bucs Oline would be in a better place today. Anxiously awaiting the debut of the Oline when it counts in Minnie.
August 28th, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Let’s get real guys. Just when did Trask look better in training camp? Maybe when he was playing 3+ quarters in two games and barely threw for 200 yards? Baker can make every throw from dunk’n dunk to the Bomb. Don’t take my word for it. Just remember what the Jets coaching staff said about BAKER HAVING AN ELITE ARM. They did say that Trask threw well, but Baker was just better. Once again, take a look at one of his highlight videos and tell me Trask is better. Please….!! It’s not close. Baker played under control on purpose just to prove a point to you Baker haters. Trask had two years to prove himself and he didn’t. He “improved” this year but his improvement wasn’t quite good enough.
August 28th, 2023 at 4:14 pm
Good Lord, he had one game against a Broncos team that had totally shut it down last year where he threw for 230 yds and 2 TDs and 85% comp.
Now, go look at the rest of the games he started for the Rams and tell me how incredible he played for them. Quit talking like he played well late last year. He was awful.
For the sake of the rest of the guys on the team I hope he plays well, but I will most definitely not be holding my breathe. Here’s to hoping I’m wrong.
August 28th, 2023 at 4:18 pm
Baker looked good in the Preseason but to say he played well at the Rams is stretching it a bit.
He went 1-3. In 4 Starts.
His claim to fame there was a 51-14 drumming of the Broncos.
Baker went 24 of 28 for 230 yards ( 5 longest passes were 22,21,17,11,7) 19 passes were 6 yards or shorter.
In that game.
Wilson had 3 Picks. Rams drives from Picks started at DEN 34, DEN 11, LA 20.
Wilsons Replacement threw a Pick 6 later in the game.
Wasn’t so much the Rams played great but the Broncos really stunk it up.
Passer Rating in Rams vs Broncos look like Preseason Passer Ratings. Perhaps because the Offenses are similar or they just had to be to win the Job.
I’m perfectly fine with those kind of stats as long as we can Run the Ball, Baker Protects it, and Defense has a takeaway each game and it is followed by a PAT or a 7 yard pass and then a PAT. Opponent being held to 20 or less. Tall task but achievable.
Only question I have is if faced with a long field and pressure in the pocket that he cannot escape is he going to launch deep passes into double coverage and hope Evans can out battle 2 guys for the ball?
That will be answered next Month.
August 28th, 2023 at 4:20 pm
Wyoming!!! It’s over bro. Baker “won” the job. Take it easy. You can stop campaigning now. We’re all pulling for Baker to do well. You don’t need to come to his defense every time someone says something about his ability or lack there of.
August 28th, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Gotbbucs… I’d argue with you but you’re just a Baker Hater. I do have one suggestion: expand your horizon and check out Baker on youtube – prior to his injury. Or would that much talent be too much of a shock for you? Trust me, BAKER IS BETTER. If the Bucs go with Trask early on for whatever reason, you’ll know they’re tanking the season.
August 28th, 2023 at 4:42 pm
Baker is better then trask plain and simple
August 28th, 2023 at 4:45 pm
ALTbuc… Bro, I’ll stop defending Baker when you and your little group stop taking CHEAP SHOTS at him!
August 28th, 2023 at 5:06 pm
What is Duane-No-nothing Cone talking about >?
And on Thursday night, Mayfield led the Rams to two late fourth-quarter touchdowns and a stunning 17-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, capped by a 23-yard scoring pass to Van Jefferson with 10 seconds left.
He best not starting his drinking THIS SOON. Banny Baker Buc
August 28th, 2023 at 5:06 pm
What is Duane-Cone talking about >?
And on Thursday night, Mayfield led the Rams to two late fourth-quarter touchdowns and a stunning 17-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, capped by a 23-yard scoring pass to Van Jefferson with 10 seconds left.
He best not starting his drinking THIS SOON. Banny Baker Buc
August 28th, 2023 at 5:15 pm
Mcvay and Shanahan both learned under Shanahan the elder.
August 28th, 2023 at 6:14 pm
All highlight clips make the player look good.
Baker doesn’t play in a game to impress or silence haters. He runs the plays the coordinator calls.
Baker and Trask are essentially the same QB. Seriously, go look at the camp notes and their college stats in their final year of college.
Baker – 14 games, 70.5%, 4627 yards, 43 TDs, 6 INTs
Trask – 12 games, 68.9%, 4283 yards, 43 TDs, 8 INTs,
August 28th, 2023 at 6:19 pm
Hey Danny — You hit the nail on the head! The kid arrives about 36 hours before the game (he proactively bought his own airline ticket) and wins a close one with virtually no experience with the team. Come on, Baker haters, you’re going to be eating your words! BTW — SportsBetting.ag released odds that Baker is the first QB1 benched this season. Place your bets against the odds!
August 28th, 2023 at 6:22 pm
He actually went 2-3 with the Rams (beat the Raiders after being there 2 days and the Broncos) and lost by 3 to a playoff team IN Seattle that I think Seattle had to win. Never had Cooper Kupp. Our WRs are vastly better. Could really surprise and hoping he does. GO BUCS!
August 28th, 2023 at 6:37 pm
@WyomingJoe
You want me to go watch Baker Mayfield highlights on YouTube and proclaim that he’s a great QB because of that? I’m sure Trent Dilfer has a highlight tape on there somewhere too. Prooves nothing.
For the record I’m not a Mayfield hater. I think it’s a pointless move for the franchise though. It’s a desperation move for a coach and GM on the hot seat.
I’m also sick of hearing about how he really turned it around on that Rams team last year, when outside of one aberration of a game against a dead in the water Broncos team, he was the most pedestrian QB in the NFL.
Hurry up and grab your lotion and kleenex box and get back to watching five year old Baker clips.
August 28th, 2023 at 7:31 pm
@Usfbuc
Baker
POSITIVES
—Mayfield is a tough, fiery competitor with a playmaker mentality.
—Has a quick delivery and enough arm strength to drive the ball with velocity and hit passes up the seam.
—In 2017, his deep accuracy and play from the pocket improved, and it appeared his arm strength did too. There are few balls Mayfield misses on.
—His tape shows a smart, quick-thinking quarterback who can make reads and get the ball out on time. His touch accuracy will remind you of Drew Brees at times.
—Despite not being track-fast, Mayfield uses his legs well and can extend plays. He has a thick frame and can take hits.
—Mayfield is coming out of a spread offense, but scouts and coaches raved about his football IQ and overall intelligence.
NEGATIVES
—Mayfield comes in under the NFL’s ideal size threshold at 6’0 ⅝”.
—He was arrested before the 2017 season for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and attempting to run from the police.
—Mayfield was caught on camera yelling obscenities across the field and grabbing his crotch, gesturing at Kansas players. Some scouts were rubbed the wrong way when he planted the Oklahoma flag at midfield after beating Ohio State.
—The Sooners’ scheme was tailor-made for Mayfield and gave him huge passing windows. It got him on the edge of the formation to better see routes.
—Plays hero ball and will make off-balance throws that can sail.
Trask
POSITIVES
—Very good height and size. Built like a TE.
—Above-average arm strength. Throws a nice catchable deep ball that turns over. Wins with timing and accuracy.
—Flashes good accuracy at all three levels. Consistently able to place vertical sideline throws like gos and wheels.
—Adequate footwork has to overcome large feet.
—Consistently keeps his dropback and pocket mechanics tight; will consistently attempt to deliver every throw on time, which allows him to get the ball out quicker. Able to stay balanced to deliver an accurate throw after moving in the pocket.
—Good understanding of concepts. Has a good mental clock on his progressions and will attempt to work through them. Knows when to find his checkdown quickly when pressured or knocked off launchpoint. Eyes show a nice rhythm on progressions.
—Good awareness of when to utilize touch on throws. Does a solid job of changing arm slot to find underneath throws.
NEGATIVES
—Not much of an ad-libber at the QB position. Will attempt to work through the progression almost to a fault at times, which will make his play seem very robotic.
—Not explosive in his movements. Lacks suddenness and ability to get away from defenders when forced to create plays. Below-average overall athlete.
—Arm strength will make all sideline throws an adventure. Susceptible to undercuts and defenders jumping if ball is not thrown on time.
—Big body who needs some room to operate in the pocket. Has a lack of overwhelming athleticism and quick-twitch to get the ball off quickly or consistently throw off-platform.
—Benefitted from very talented teammates.
Yeah exactly the same person. Also, Baker is tailor-made for this offense, not Trask
August 28th, 2023 at 7:33 pm
Yeah Joe, I realize youre gonna take down the above. Apologies in advance
August 28th, 2023 at 8:11 pm
Gotbbucs, Mayfield improved with the Rams, he had 2 wins with 3 losses. Not to bad. Some believe he played well with there with the Rams, he did win a couple games.
August 28th, 2023 at 8:15 pm
Kaimarue69, somehow you missed Mayfields biggest drawback which is careless with the football, turnovers.
August 28th, 2023 at 8:18 pm
I think Mayfield has plenty of talent, he needs to stop throwing interceptions to be successful.
August 28th, 2023 at 8:55 pm
RGA:
Baker has the most INTs of any QB in the league since 2018: 64
Baker threw 35 INTs in 2018/2019: Average of 17.5/season
Baker threw 29 INTs in 2020/2021/2022: Average of 9.66/season
Make of that what you will
August 28th, 2023 at 9:11 pm
This article is a non-story, what everyone knew the moment he was signed. He’s played in a similar offense with the guys in the family tree, it’s not new to him. Same with Wolford.
Regardless he still has to deliver and not s— the bed.
August 28th, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Wyomingjoe is baker lol
August 28th, 2023 at 9:23 pm
Wyoming joe. Baker is a 5 year vet. A former 1st overall pick. Had a head start on the offensive and yet trask still kept it neck n neck thru TC. Your only one who thinks baker actually had a better camp maybe he did but it wasn’t by much. Baker should have blown trask out of the water but he didn’t. I’m rooting for him to be successful but trask got shafted cause bowels doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s a terrible head coach but a really good DC we don’t win a SB without him.
August 28th, 2023 at 9:29 pm
@kaimaru – you also missed that Baker Mayfield had a way more talented roster than Kyle Trask with something like double the NFL players on it. Highlights of that roster from the top of my head include two high quality starting NFL o line, a WR and TE both still starters on their respective teams and two of the best in the NFL at their current positions.
So back to my original point that they are essentially the same player. Also take a deep look inside and let go of your Baker worship because I wasn’t even attacking your guy that you clearly love so much.
August 28th, 2023 at 9:55 pm
Gotbbucks… you’re delusional if you think Trask is better than Mayfield. I’d actually feel sorry for you if you weren’t so wrong all the time. Hey, it’s time for you to move out of your parent’s basement and grow up.
August 28th, 2023 at 10:46 pm
Seeing as how we are all more or less Bucs fans how about rooting for the team instead of its individual players. There is no “I” in team. Of course we all had opinions throughout training camp and preseason. Todd Bowles has made his choice. He was there every day watching them both play. And he made the decision along with his offensive coordinator and other coaches. Bowles wants to win more than any of us. He did what he believes is in the best interest of his team. Now is the time to support our team and quit acting like we know better than everyone else
August 29th, 2023 at 1:11 am
Head start or not makes no difference at this point Joe. Let’s see some TDs and wins.
Go Bucs!