Richard Sherman: No Expectations = Good Baker Mayfield
September 6th, 2023
Richard Sherman
The underestimated Buccaneers are a super-sweet fit for Baker Mayfield, says former Bucs, Niners and Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.
The Amazon analyst maintains strong friendships at One Buc Palace and views the Bucs as a fit for a second-place finish in the NFC South.
Sherman droppped his 2023 predictions podcast today and, sadly, Sherman likes the slimy Saints to win the division. He said that’s primarily because he believes they will have the best quarterback play.
The horrid Panthers offensive line will hold Carolina back a lot, Sherman said, and he didn’t even mention the Falcons as a contender.
With Tampa Bay, Sherman thinks Mayfield found a good home, though he has concerns about the Bucs’ offensive line and acknowledges Mayfield’s low salary means the Bucs have limited confidence in him.
Per Sherman, Mayfield thrives when the bar is low and the spotlight is dim.
“I think he’s best when he’s playing without expectations, without the pressure of expectations and the burden of expectations,” Sherman said of Mayfield. “And this team doesn’t have them. I don’t think anybody’s sitting there saying, ‘Hey, Baker’s going to light the world on fire.’ He’s not getting commercial deals. He’s not getting endorsement deals. He’s going to get to play very free, and I think that’s the best spot for him to be playing free. They’ll sneak up on some teams and ruin some days, for sure.”
No surprise, Sherman thinks Todd Bowles’ defense is loaded with talent and will be a well-coached unit, especially when it comes to pressuring the NFC South’s inexperienced QBs.
Catch up on your Ira Kaufman Podcast listening. Ira has plenty to say on the state of the Bucs with Joe.
September 6th, 2023 at 5:46 pm
NFC South:
Saints and Bucs both have new qbs; good wrs; questionable o-line; decent Defenses; Crappy HC..BUT Saints have better RBs…
Saints likely win NFC South just because better run game..
Bucs 2nd BUT could win if Baker plays well AND run game gets fixed…
Falcons 3rd… Good defense, Wrs and and good rb but QB still a huge ?
Panthers last because that o-line horrible and no weapons though decent defense.
September 6th, 2023 at 5:51 pm
Hope that is true and the Bucs can fly under the radar. I am excited to see what Canales can do with this offense and if he can help Mayfield play up to his potential. My biggest concern is Bowles and his stupid in game decisions and lack of clock management awareness in the 4th qtr.
September 6th, 2023 at 5:56 pm
I can’t wait to see this new offense – so many questions…
– How will Baker play?
– How will new OC perform?
– Offensive line?
– Will the running backs be able to break tackles?
– Cade Otton?
Plus – the Vikings defense isn’t that great.
Can’t wait!
Go Bucs!!
September 6th, 2023 at 6:25 pm
High expectations in Cleveland when he was a rookie. What did he do? Broke the longest losing streak in nfl history and set the record for rookie td passes without starting the first couple of games.
September 6th, 2023 at 6:42 pm
Derek Carr has a losing record (63-79) and zero playoff wins with some pretty good Raider teams over 9 years. Please let me know in what universe that makes him a “good” quarterback.
September 6th, 2023 at 6:45 pm
Like I have said before-the Bucs lucked out having a QB available that could step right in after the departure of TB12. Let’s see what Baker can do. He did take the Browns to the Playoffs if do recall. RELAX and Enjoy the Mystery of this Season 2023. Go BUCS!!
September 6th, 2023 at 7:23 pm
If he is playing for free sounds like a deal.
September 6th, 2023 at 7:44 pm
Was with Baker last night at his house. He’s lock’n loaded fir Sunday. By the way, his wife makes a great pot roast.
September 6th, 2023 at 8:18 pm
Last time I saw Baker go against Carr it was Baker who came off victorious with a 98 yard walk off touchdown toss perfectly thrown over the shoulder with time running out. Baker is the best QB in thsi division. Go Baker Go Bucs “fortune favors the Brave ” and Baker is that if nothing ele but we know he is much more than that .In battle ths Romans alway called upon the Godess Fortuna. And because of their grit and determination she always answered.Boa fortuna Baker!
September 6th, 2023 at 8:20 pm
Last time I saw Baker go against Carr it was Baker who came off victorious with a 98 yard walk off touchdown toss perfectly thrown over the shoulder with time running out. Baker is the best QB in thsi division. Go Baker Go Bucs “fortune favors the Brave ” and Baker is that if nothing else but we know he is much more than that .In battle ths Romans alway called upon the Godess Fortuna. And because of their grit and determination she always answered.Bona fortuna Baker!
September 6th, 2023 at 9:46 pm
pmarcello last time I saw Baker he threw an interception in OT to lose to Seattle.
September 6th, 2023 at 10:17 pm
Hay Mike s says have u ever said anything positive about anything take u r negative garbage to the curb we r not interested in u r spew of garbage support the browns they need u visaversa
September 6th, 2023 at 10:44 pm
Yep, Richard your right, they will sneak up on teams and win 4-7 games this year. A miracle would be 8-9 wins.
TFT Tanking For the Trojan
September 6th, 2023 at 11:49 pm
Truth be Told.
I’m just gonna accept that Baker ‘Took’ the Browns to the Playoffs. It will at least make me feel a little easy as game day approaches.
Browns had 2400 yards rushing that season (900 more than Bucs had that Suer Bowl Year) and an O Line that made it all possible.
I hope Bucs can give him similar support or it’s going to be a heavy carry taking the team to the playoffs. Not to mention he’s going to get beat up.
September 7th, 2023 at 12:04 am
NCalBucsFan
Apparently a Universe where they sign Crappy QB’s to 4 year 150 mil contracts and great QB’s to 1 year 4mil. deals.
Actually their W/L % is similar. Man Baker is getting jipped.
Hopefully he has a good year and raises his value.
September 7th, 2023 at 12:48 am
With all respect to Richard S., his positive statement is as good as his under achieved late career when he became a journey man to 49’rs then to Tampa before he was retired.
September 7th, 2023 at 1:59 am
I like Sherman’s honesty but the expectations thing is a bit of a stretch in my opinion. Expectations should be coming from within Baker himself not all the exterior chatter out there.
Baker knows this is a make or break deal for him. That is plenty of pressure for him, regardless of “expectations”. Hope he deals with them like a true champion and proves all the experts wrong.
Go Bucs!
September 7th, 2023 at 6:58 am
Interesting theory though he’s had low expectations for several years running and it hasn’t helped.
September 7th, 2023 at 7:19 am
Baker doesn’t need to be the hero on offense. The Bucs have White/Tucker, Otton, Godwin/Evans/Palmer/Thompkins.