“A Very Good Damn NFL Quarterback”
December 26th, 2023
Todd Bowles shows his passion.
For head coach Todd Bowles, this was animated.
Bowles keeps a very level demeanor with media. It’s a core belief of Bowles. He even said yesterday that he coaches the same way no matter what his Bucs’ results are on the field.
Speaking to WFLA-TV sports czar Dan Lucas yesterday, Bowles made it clear that many fans aren’t appreciating Baker Mayfield the way they should be. And Bowles used animated language — animated for him.
“I think so many people are wrapped into what [Mayfield] hasn’t done and where he’s coming from and that he has a lot to lose and that he was a tough guy and how he was up and down — and they’re not enjoying the Baker Mayfield they’re seeing right now who is a very good damn NFL quarterback and playing winning football.
“I think people should just appreciate that for what it is. And stop saying, ‘Well, it’s Baker. Well, it’s Baker. Well, it’s Baker.’ Well Baker’s playing very damn good football.”
Joe can envision Bowles making this speech to Team Glazer as it relates to paying Mayfield to return next season. “Wake up, Ed. You too, Joel and Bryan. Look at what Baker is delivering and stop overthinking it. He’s a top-10 quarterback despite an ugly running game.”
(Joe took creative liberty there. Bowles would never call the Bucs’ running game “ugly,” even with its lowest yards-per-carry average in the league.)
Joe appreciates and enjoys the Mayfield-Bowles marriage. It should not end in divorce if the Bucs finish the regular season strong.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:19 pm
Mayfield had been playing like trash for a month before heating up these last two games, where he’s been great.
This is the time of year where you want to heat up and get hot because this is where he’ll make the big money.
If he can keep it up, and play like this in the playoffs, then he’ll be back – and the Bucs will have a chance in year where there aren’t really any dominate teams.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:23 pm
I keep thinking about the ‘absurd’ piece CBS Sports did in the preseason where they simulate the full season in Madden 24. Apparently he’s been really accurate over the years, and when they did it this year…
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shocked the NFL with a Super Bowl run in the first year without Tom Brady. Baker Mayfield became the club’s starting quarterback and led them to a division title while the veteran QB threw for 4,529 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. ”
In the simulation, the Bucs came out of nowhere to go to the Super Bowl where they eventually lost to the Chiefs.
That would be something – and if Baker gets hot, and the defense stays aggressive, who knows.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:31 pm
**coughing**
………..let’s not get carried away calling him good…..not after only 4 weeks.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:33 pm
Baker Mayfield still needs to play good for a couple more games to not be AVERAGE AT BEST. And if he does then he deserves a $40 million dollar a year contract, especially if he wins a playoff game.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:34 pm
…..any sports website / journalists or whatever using Madden24 for any kinda simulation / prediction should be downgraded to a TMZ website………gimme a freakin breakl!!!!
December 26th, 2023 at 1:38 pm
TheBucsAnthem – lighten up Francis. It’s just a dumb, fun article when there’s no real football being played. No one takes it seriously, except for the people who complain about it.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:40 pm
“Playing like Trash.” He runs 30 yards for a first down against Atlanta. Buccaneers get the go ahead field goal with under one minute to play. Defense can’t hold Atlanta and Buccaneers lose.
Passes for the go ahead touchdown with 36 seconds left against Houston. Buccaneers can’t stop Houston with 11 seconds left in the game. Buccaneers lose.
Could he have played better? Yes. But he showed he could be counted on iwhen the game is on the line.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:40 pm
The Bucs are finally set up for a period of stability. That stability would at least mean winning seasons for several years. We now have a franchise QB. Once again, Dave Canales + Baker Mayfield = Our Drew Brees 2.0. Now the Bucs can take shots at QB’s in the draft without having the risks of drafting a bust. Licht will likely find some OL depth and maybe a running back in the later rounds. We need two corners and a safety and all the pass rush we can find. If we can hang on for one more year to clear the dead money the future will be so bright we will need shades.
What a belated Christmas gift a thumping of the Aint’s on our turf would be.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:43 pm
” He’s a top-10 quarterback despite an ugly running game.”
I WAS thinking he was the equivalent to Ryan Tannehill when he hit it big, THEN I remembered they had Derrick Henry in his prime
December 26th, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Buddha Says:
December 26th, 2023 at 1:40 pm
“Playing like Trash.” He runs 30 yards for a first down against Atlanta. Buccaneers get the go ahead field goal with under one minute to play. Defense can’t hold Atlanta and Buccaneers lose.
———-
You missed the parts of the game where he repeatedly missed guys who were wide open, checked the ball down when guys were wide open, and made what should have been a blow-out, a close game through his awful play.
Unlike the Baker Bois who can never say he’s played poorly, I have no issues giving him credit when he plays well, and he’s been great the last two games. Using the modern rating system, he was actually better in the Jacksonville game than in GB – and that showed up on the field as he was making some great passes on Sunday.
In any case it makes zero difference what I think. It’s up to him now, and I really hope he can stay hot. If the Bucs get this type of play from him, they can do some damage in the playoffs – in particular if Bowles doesn’t go back to his God-awful loose zone garbage he ran most of the year.
December 26th, 2023 at 1:57 pm
I used to (very recently) want the Bucs to tank and grab one of the good QB’s in the upcoming draft. Now, I’m hoping they resign Baker and address other needs…center, Devin White’s replacement, RB, safety to pair with All World Safety Winfield etc.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:02 pm
@ Rod
HAHAHA!!!
“lighten up Francis.”
Awesome movie quote dude… One of my favs.
I don’t see the Bucs making the Super Bowl this season and it is starting to look like a long shot for the Chiefs as well…
Loved watching Mahomes and Travis Kelce throwing tantrums on the sideline on Christmas.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:03 pm
Baker’s the man. Extend him now
December 26th, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Last summer, while driving through Winnemucca NV, I decided to bet $100 on the Bucs to win the Super Bowl this year. I got 80-1 odds. I had very low expectations, it was just a lark. I certainly didn’t talk too much about it. If fact, all I’ll say now is, I’m starting to really like Coach Bowles! GO BUCS GO GO GO!!!
December 26th, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Mayfield is winning games with our running game still performing poorly. With 2 more games left before the playoff games in January, hopefully the Bucs run games will improve like our passing game and have the Bucs playing meaningful football.
The Bucs look to have a much-improved 2024 team and a Superbowl contender in the next year or two.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:10 pm
@Joe…Way off topic, but did you or anyone on here catch when Baker was in his cadence an called out (I think he said) “DARCIE GLAZIER…” I swear I heard something like that.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:11 pm
Marine Buc – I’m obviously not a Baker fan, but man, if you get this type of play – and Bowles stays aggressive on defense… who knows.
With that said, GB’s defense has been incredibly bad these last few weeks (Tommy Devito had a career day, Mayfield had a career day, and Bryce Young had a career day) – and Jacksonville’s pass defense isn’t very good either.
That’s not to downplay Baker, sometimes those tune up games are needed as they help you get on a roll. If Mayfield can do it again vs the Saints (who did get lit up by the Rams, but had been playing well before that), then that will be something. Also, week 18, keep in mind the Panthers have one of the best passing defenses in football. So in the next two weeks, this should be an excellent test for Baker, and if he stays hot, literally anything could happen.
But the Bucs still need to actually make the playoffs before we start talking a run in the playoffs. Hopefully they can get it wrapped up on Sunday.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:19 pm
I wouldn’t say we’re out of the SB talk with Baker at the helm. That first year with Brady wasn’t pretty in the beginning, and then the offense starts clicking and we run the gambit. I’m not saying we’re gonna repeat necessarily. Lets just say this all feels oddly familiar.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:26 pm
We can be legit super bowl contenders with mayfield next year if we build a good team around him get a running game going like in cleavland build a stronger defense get pass rushers and another star receiver or if russel gage can stay healthy next year
December 26th, 2023 at 2:26 pm
I hear the muted primal screams into the void from the Traskistas…
December 26th, 2023 at 2:27 pm
What really needs to catch on fire for a legit SB run is an epic pass rush.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:37 pm
“Cobraboy Says:
December 26th, 2023 at 2:26 pm
I hear the muted primal screams into the void from the Traskistas…”
———————————-
Now that’s funny!!!!
Trask will Never be a team’s “NFL Starter of choice” for a season……….I don’t even see him being a career backup QB either because he hasn’t done nothing in this league to show potential period.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:46 pm
@ Rod
I agree.
This team has won games against mediocre and bad teams. They have also lost games to some mediocre teams (Houston, Indy, Atlanta).
The Bucs need to win out and finish with 10 wins, win the NFC South and earn a home play-off game.
Then, like you said, “anything is possible” from there.
But I believe if the head coach stays so will the OC and the QB…
December 26th, 2023 at 2:47 pm
Classic Todd. Coach the same way regardless of results, as in, keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. The definition of insanity.
A potato is about as animated as Todd, and quite frankly would have been a better head coach to have on the field for the Texans game or the Falcons 1st game.
I’m happy he loves Baker.
Now fix your defective pass defense(less), Todd.
December 26th, 2023 at 2:50 pm
Why do u guys keep saying he has played 2 good games I thought he has played 15 games so far yes we r above 500 so how the heck do u come up with 2 games was trask in for the other 13 not,he has played damn good ball all season with very good stats a few flaws here & there like every QB in this league there r no exceptions
December 26th, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Tom Brady wasn’t exactly Tom Brady when he first got here. He got hot the second half of the season. Seems like Baker is getting hot at the right time as well….
December 26th, 2023 at 2:55 pm
Does anyone believe this was a playoff team With an 81mm cap hit before the year? Baker has a higher QBR than Josh Allen and Pat M. I think if those 2 games against Houston and ATL didn’t sneak away you would have a very FULL BANDWAGON
December 26th, 2023 at 3:01 pm
And Cobrakia starts with the Trask crap. Like Munch said earlier lighten up Francis. There’s no Trask cult only Baker fanbois cheerleaders. Only reason Trask got any push from Buc fans is because Baker barely edged him out in TC & PS no matter what lies you try to pass off on us. Joebucsfan.com printed the struggles Baker the 6th year vet was going thru and we’ve all watched them during the season and THAT’S why we wanted to see Trask get a chance, but hey we see what’s happened during the 4 game win streak and the last 2 have been great. Unlike fanbois who attach themselves to the hip of another man because they relate to him we root for the Bucs first. Baker is playing good and if he and the team can play like the last two games, I can’t see how we can’t go deep in the playoffs. More than happy with a 31st or 32nd draft pick because of Baker. You best believe the Baker fanbois would never root for Trask even if he was playing lights out all year long. You need to pull your skirts down Francis
December 26th, 2023 at 3:07 pm
“There is no Trask cult”
I think I git a hernia from deep belly laughs
December 26th, 2023 at 3:16 pm
The Chiiefs have been hit by the Swift Curse. They are done for.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:18 pm
Muncher: You’re still a loser! And for those who feel the same about you and the other Baker Haters, WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK?! I do because I despise trolls.
You and the other Cult of Kyle followers and Baker Haters will never be satisfied no matter how Baker and the Bucs play.
The only thing that makes me feel good is knowing that if Baker keeps winning it’ll drive you crazier than you already are, lol…
Keep winning Baker.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:18 pm
“Swift Curse”??????????
December 26th, 2023 at 3:20 pm
Read a good article on the Athletic about too surprises this year. Mayfield was one of them, the writer had a bunch of stats and ended with ” he’s exactly who we thought he was in 2020″, Browns playoff year..(Rod Munch shows a guy can watch football for years and learn absolutely nothing)
December 26th, 2023 at 3:21 pm
DavidBigTraskFan99
December 26th, 2023 at 3:28 pm
DavidBigBucs: Your back-handed compliments about Baker’s ability is sickening. Please stop because it’s obvious you don’t know enough about his career to make a valid point.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:31 pm
Team friendly contact in the Geno Smith range, not much guaranteed money year 2, heavy on incentives. Leaves an out if he regresses. But i doubt he does,
December 26th, 2023 at 3:33 pm
The Trask fan-bois have to be in a total melt-down. They want the Bucs to lose so their man-crush gets to play, yet Mayfield has the team on a 4-game winning streak and will certainly be the starter for the remainder of the season.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:34 pm
Anyone who says Mayfield has been playing like trash for a month & only good for last 2 weeks clearly hasn’t been watching Bucs this year. Baker has been “That Dude” since week 1. The D finally is catching up to the offense…that’s all that needs to be said.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:38 pm
As usual, everyone is too busy looking back and trying to justify their premonitions or looking forward to set up their next round of predictions.
I am also guilty of this.
After the hot start, I predicted 11-6. Wrong. After the cooldown and almost meltdown, I predicted Bowles would be fired. Wrong again.
Don’t know what’s going to happen from here on out. But something turned this team around a month ago or so, and I’ve still not heard an explanation.
How long can it continue? Don’t know that either, but agree that taking the foot of the gas by resting starters is a mistake.
This team and these coaches should assume the playoffs have started, and lose one and you’re done.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:41 pm
Heres the good news for Mayfield. The Bucs offense has been much more productive because they are taking shots and putting the ball in the air more than 5-7 yards. He has been throwing some great seam passes, especially to Evans and to Godwin also. Some of these throws have been elite passes.
The game plan has changed and the Bucs have been going more vertical in their passing game and its paid off in a big way. Mayfield was not very good at all in the middle of the season. Lets face it he was barely throwing for 200 yards and hitting 50% of his passes. The criticism he was getting was deserved.
Since the message finally got through to Bowles to get the ball to Evans, Godwin and White, the offense has been good.
Somewhere between being good and occassionally making elite throws is where Mayfield is in a now functioning offense.
My hope is he continues to do what he has been doing the past 2 weeks for the next 2 weeks and into the playoffs. If successful the team will certainly try and lock him up for 3 years minimum, maybe even 4.
I like the way they are spreading the ball around to their stars. Thats all Mayfield needs to do to be successful. He has 3 very good offensive stars and adequate pass catching tight ends. He certainly has control of the offense now.
December 26th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
@WyomingJoe, i live in Browns country and know enough to criticique Baker. He looked great rookie year, looked like dog crap with Freddie Kitchens and Todd Moncken playing the drop back game. 2020 was good but Stefanski handcuffed him being too conservative. 2021, started out great but after the Texans game it was a downhill slide, lost velocity on the pass every week. 2022, Panthers vanilla offense made everybody look bad. McVay was the best thing that happened to that young man. Watched the Mayfield Miracle and Christmas day destruction of the Broncos.
He is a very good quarterback, borderline top ten. He’s grown up a lot, not waking up feeling dangerous. Waking up as a great teammate
December 26th, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Baker has thrown as many TDs as Patrick Mahomes and Tua and he’s thrown less picks than both of those guys…but yeah, let’s start Kyle Trask. 😄🤡😄🤡
December 26th, 2023 at 3:53 pm
Personally i like the vibe off this team. They genuinely like each other. The internet is littered with “why isn’t Todd Bowles beside Brady on the sidelines”. This year? Canales gets choked up wanting to make Todd proud. Bowles “can’t say enough” about Baker. Baker “can’t say enough about the defense”. They believe in each other and will fight for each other. Pretty good stuff right there. I’ll take a team like that going into the playoffs any day
December 26th, 2023 at 4:02 pm
Super Bowl Money is on the field.
December 26th, 2023 at 4:06 pm
Buckeyebuckchuck Says:
December 26th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
“……………… i live in Browns country and know enough to criticique Baker…….He is a very good quarterback, borderline top ten……….”
——————————————————————————–
Do you REALLY think he’s a Top 10 QB??? I mean Really????????
I mean, that is alota “Hefty” praise about a QB who really hasn’t shown any kind of consistency in the NFL since he’s been drafted.
Yeah, sure, you see flashes of greatness here and there, but I’d say he’d have to put in a large body of work in order to be considered in that Category; and we have yet to see that outta him. Now granted, he has been balling out these past 4 weeks, but that’s also against BAD football clubs too.
December 26th, 2023 at 4:08 pm
@rod.munch – love the due diligence – great post!
December 26th, 2023 at 4:10 pm
No, press box is enclosed. No audio from the broadcast feed.
December 26th, 2023 at 4:11 pm
BakerBucs says:
all season with very good stats a few flaws here & there like every QB in this league there r no exceptions
Right. Stats like 12th in Red Zone passing but 25th in Red Zone proficiency.
Bucs could be at least 11-4 if it was not for Stats and the need to get certain one’s to Cash in on $$. Then to play outside his skill set could have meant a bust and be sitting at 6-8 or worse.
Just keep doing what’s best for Baker and good enough for the Bucs.
December 26th, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Lots of comments saying Baker has only had a few great games this year and everyone is overreacting to the last two to say he’s a franchise quarterback. But that’s a mistake. His overall numbers are excellent and in line with pretty much every acknowledged franchise quarterback. That doesn’t happen on the back of “only” two good games. It happens because he has several underrated games, like the Houston and (first) Atlanta games the defense blew, and because his “bad games” were not that bad – for example, in the win against Atlanta he had a terrible completion % and few yards, but also had 2 TDs, no ints, and led a game winning drive. Even against Carolina, one of his worst games of the season, he only had one interception and also had a TD. That’s the way you get to a 4000/30/10 season, not by being exceptional every single game.
December 26th, 2023 at 4:32 pm
He has been playing good. I think they could sign him to a multi year contract for middle of the road QB price, 25-30mil a year for 4yrs. I think he would take it in order to stay. That price range would allow Tampa to keep Evans and add linemen and another running back to this offense.
He’s played in terrible situations (Carolina) and played for despicable franchises (Cleveland). I would imagine he doesn’t want to take the chance of gong to another terrible situation next year. Seems like someone who’s young and experienced several other franchises might appreciate where he’s at and the weapons around him. That might be more important than a fat contract from a shi*ty team.
December 26th, 2023 at 5:20 pm
RodMunch,
Funny haven’t heard Evans or Godwin complain about Baker. Might have something to do with Evans having a career year with Mayfield. Got it. You know more than Mike and Godwin. What a complete and utter dud you are stud.
December 26th, 2023 at 5:31 pm
RodMunch,
Rarely do we get to see someone so consistently wrong as you. Baker was sitting on the bench watching Houston score in final 45 seconds of Texan game. Not much of a stretch for Tampa to be 9-6 at this point. Not bad for a team that was projected to win 6 games this year. Go find something useful to do. Have a feeling you are a person who knows a lot about personal failure. It sort of comes through in your irrational ramblings.
December 26th, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Johnny, you don’t hear Winnemucca mentioned very often. I was stationed in Fallon for three years. Loved the wide open spaces. Beautiful part of the country.
December 26th, 2023 at 5:54 pm
Was The Bull a “Top 10” QB when he won a Super Bowl?
How about Trent Dilfer?
Ranking players is what casuals do. It is more important for players to mesh on a team than rank against peers.
In that regard, Mayfield has done that in spades…
December 26th, 2023 at 5:55 pm
Remember what Rod Munch predicted what Bucs record would be when season started. All he did was talk sht on BM.
QB #’s and rating don’t lie, but I guess we should listen to these experts instead.
GO bucs
December 26th, 2023 at 6:08 pm
RodMunch,
Funny haven’t heard Evans or Godwin complain about Baker. Might have something to do with Evans having a career year with Mayfield. Got it. You know more than Mike and Godwin. What a complete and utter dud you are.
December 26th, 2023 at 6:15 pm
The highs & lows of this fan base are unreal.
Yes, they’ve won 4 straight — against bad/struggling teams and two of those were close.
Yes, Mayfield is playing well (for him) — he’s still a career underachievor
Yes, the team is playing better — despite huge coaching errors and Bowles career losing record.
Beat a good team (not Dallas) in the playoffs and we can start getting excited.
December 26th, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Baker has been trash and once a while he comes out of trash against crappy teams. He has not done anything to earn any contract extension yet. He just a beat a trash team with a trash qb, Trevor with wining record. He will soon retrieve back to his trash mode as he has been up and down past 6 years.
Bucs will replace Toilet Bowl and that would be the end of Baker here.
December 26th, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Far too often fans & media give 1 or 2 players the credit for winning streaks (and losing streaks) instead of viewing them as TEAM wins (or losses). If I had to pick 2 Bucs’ players for instance who most seem to credit for our current 4-game winning streak, it’d be Mayfield & Evans, with probably Godwin & White next in line.
Interestingly none of the 4 have been truly hot in all 4 games, but TOGETHER they’ve put together a nice run. Still, many of the other 49 players (such as our OLine & DLine) have made numerous big plays that have contributed greatly to each victory.
o Mayfield is 76-of-121 (62.8%) for 1010 passing yds (253 average per game) in those 4 games, with 2 great games (76.2% for 664 yds & 6 TDs) and 2 meh (48.3% for 346 yds & 3 TDs) in that stretch. Interestingly he’s been sacked 9 times in those 4 games (2 in the 2 losses and 7 in the 2 wins).
o Evans is 19-of-32 (59.4%) with 4 TDs receiving in those 4 games, but had 2 monster games (Panthers 162 yds & Jaguars 86 yds with 3 TDs in those 2).
o Godwin is 21-of-37 (56.8%) with 0 TDs receiving in those 4 games, but also had 2 monster games (Packers 155 yds & Jaguars 78 yds) that contributed a bunch to both wins.
o White is probably the steadiest of all 4 players in that stretch. He’s rushed 86 times for 314 yds (3.7 YPC) and caught 13-of-16 (81.3%) for 143 yds receiving, with 4 total TDs.
Still, it’s been a combination of very good performances by a lot of other teammates that’s led to that 4-game win streak. For instance, Bucs have only turned the ball over twice in that stretch, while forcing 7 takeaways (and most have led to points). We’ve led at halftime in all 4 games, by a margin of 52-23. Everything’s really starting to come together. Heaven forbid though that anyone should give Coach Bowles credit for any of that.
December 26th, 2023 at 6:22 pm
Love to hear from the Baker Hate Brigade. “Need to see a little more. Too short. Can’t pick up secondary receivers. Need to see how he plays in playoffs. A journeyman” and so it goes.
Baker’s stats for first 6 years in the NFL are nearly identical to Brady’s first 6 years. Baker accomplished this notwithstanding playing for a horrible Browns team and part of last year with the inept Panthers. He requested a trade from The Browns after they double crossed him and requested his release from Carolina. Those of us who have followed him know he has a strong arm, great field presence, and is a natural leader. All the rest of the noise is just nonsense from “fans” pretending to have some insight. Not saying Baker is Brady just making an honest statement about first 6 year stats. Given time to throw, just like all successful QB’s need, Baker will never disappoint. Drew Brees is the appropriate comparison for Baker’s future with a team that can protect him.
December 26th, 2023 at 6:30 pm
David,
Go back to driving your garbage truck. You need to expand your vocabulary. You are fixated on “trash.”
December 26th, 2023 at 6:50 pm
Gipper … Stats prove you point about Brady vs Mayfield in their first 5 years (disregarding Brady’s 2000 year when he sat on the bench).
o Brady: 61.9% for 18,029 yds with 123 TDs vs 66 INTs.
o Mayfield: 61.4% for 16,288 yds with 102 TDs vs 64 INTs.
Difference IMO is that Brady obviously had a better TEAM around him, and thus won a few playoff games (10-out-of-11 playoff games to be precise, with 3 Super Bowl wins thrown in for good measure).
Brady ‘fit the system’ (and vice versa), just like Baker seems to ‘fit this system’ … and vice versa. HOPEFULLY that proves true for the rest of this year, THEN we’ll see how the Bucs (and Mayfield) choose to deal with the future.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
If Baker signs a big contract the Bucs will only have $47 million dollars in cap space for next season to use to pay him with. That means that the Bucs do not have very much cap space to resign other players. The Bucs currently only have 33 signed players for next year, needing that $47 million to resign 21 players that include Bucs UFA’s like White, Baker and ME13, as well as any free agents and their draft class to fill out their 54 man roster.
Shaq Barrett $10,784,941; opt out is $26,668,000 against the 2024 cap
Chris Godwin $8,614,000; opt out is $26,386,000 against the 2024 cap
Carlton Davis $7,479,680; opt out is $26,882,356 against the 2024 cap
Vita Vea $6,515,643; can restructure
Jamel Dean $3,805,176; can restructure
Those above players are the largest contracts that the Bucs will have signed to their 2024 roster. Those with opt outs will not restructure as they only have one year left on their contract and will become IFA’s in 2025, meaning you either pay them/cut them and take the opt out hit/trade them and hope that your trading partner agrees to handle all of their salary.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Anyone not fully on board with Mayfield at this point just like an idiot, an has no credibility.
Lets face it. You’re just Stupid.
And the fact that I supported Mayfield since we signed him, just adds to my psychic like ability to predict football.
Still a couple predictions hanging out there.
I said YaYa and SirVoncea would be great players on this defense.
– injury still has the jury out on SirVoncea
Said Coach Bowles would get fired this year. I missed that one, but like the Brady/Bealichek effect, I think Mayfield is making Bowles a much better coach.
I said Kancey would struggle with injuries due to his size.
– jury still out, but wanna be wrong on this one. Logan and JTS are bad enough, dont want another DL miss.
Other than that, real happy about this team! We can cause damage in the Playoffs
December 26th, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Belle Glad, don’t normally agree with u but you’re right on this one.
I don’t know what they’re gonna do.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:31 pm
m milligan
Baker Mayfield is the best quarterback for the Bucs for their future.
He has matured both on the field and off of the field and silenced skeptics like me and others.
The problem is that the Bucs only have so much money to work with in their salary cap to sign everyone.
TB12 is the GOAT because he never was the highest paid quarterback in the league, not even close.
The years that he was winning Super Bowls and competing against Peyton Manning, TB12’s contracts were much less than Peyton’s. TB12’s Patriotis had more talent than Peyton’s Colts because the Patriots had more money to pay players.
Patrick Mahomes is the most physically talented quarterback who makes amazing decisions that I have ever seen play. Even with that Mahomes/Chiefs are now not playing as well as we expect them to because his big contract has caused his team to have less talent on it.
Let’s hope Baker learns and follows TB12’s example and not Peyton’s or Mahomes.
Good players cost money. The money ain’t for nothing and the players aren’t free.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:34 pm
Defense Rules Says:
December 26th, 2023 at 6:50 pm
Gipper … Stats prove you point about Brady vs Mayfield in their first 5 years (disregarding Brady’s 2000 year when he sat on the bench).
———————————————————————-
Baker basically didn’t play 2022 — last year. A few games with Carolina and a few with LA. The 6 year comparison is appropriate considering, as you say. Brady didn’t play much his rookie year.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:41 pm
Defense rules—Canales started calling a different game after the Godwin contradiction. The past two games it’s really paying off and fits Mayfield’s strengths more. Mayfield was terrible against Atlanta going 14-29 for 144yrds. He started spreading the ball around more in that game he was just really inaccurate. Canales called similar game plan against the Packers but for some reason the light went on for Mayfield. Hope it stays on. But I’m skeptical .
December 26th, 2023 at 7:47 pm
For all the football geniuses out there who say that stats don’t matter, that is absurd. Actuaries who measure life mortality rely on something known as The Law of Large Numbers which simply means that large sample sizes are predictive of future outcomes. Mayfield after 6 years has a pretty large statistical size. As I said earlier, his past statistical data for the first 6 years is almost spot on with Brady’s. Agree it takes more than QB play. Need a reliable defense, reliable field goal kicker, decent running game, a sound OLine, and solid special teams.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:50 pm
m milligan
You and I agree about a lot of things when it comes to the Bucs. Just because we disagreed about Baker doesn’t mean we don’t agree about other things.
Logan Hall and JTS are busts.
Trask was a wasted draft pick that should have been used to get us another good player for TB12’s last years with us.
Diaby and Kancey are ballin out for rookies.
Goedeke stunk last year and looks so much better this year.
Hainsey is no Jensen and needs to be replaced, but Cody Mauch seems to have a Jensen like edge and is playing well at RG in his rookie year.
Wirfs, Winfield, ME13, Baker, Godwin are our best players.
Davis and Dean get hurt too much and aren’t worth the money.
White is a diva who could be great, but because he’s a diva he’s not.
Our secondary is not good except for Winfield, but I am very impressed with McCollum this year.
Those are just a few that I can think of that I know you probably agree with me about.
December 26th, 2023 at 7:50 pm
Gipper Says:
December 26th, 2023 at 5:20 pm
RodMunch,
Funny haven’t heard Evans or Godwin complain about Baker. Might have something to do with Evans having a career year with Mayfield. Got it. You know more than Mike and Godwin. What a complete and utter dud you are stud.
——–
Hey stupid, can you point me to any time Evans or Godwin has ever complained about the QB?
I’ll wait…
December 26th, 2023 at 7:58 pm
Gipper Says:
Baker’s stats for first 6 years in the NFL are nearly identical to Brady’s first 6 years.
———–
This is why people hate the Baker Bois so much, they’re literally retarded.
So Baker is better now than Brees, Mahomes, Bradys — when he was literally in danger of being benched a few weeks ago after the Bucs went through a 2-7 stretch.
You same morons are the ones putting Fitz in the HOF after two games in 2018.
Just be happy that Baker has got hot at the right time. If he can stay hot, finish out the year strong, and play like this in the playoffs, then he’ll be back.
Meanwhile you dopes are pretending like he’s been playing like this all year, when the last two games are literally the best two games of his career. Which, BTW, as stated above, if he can get hot and the Bucs get in the playoffs, anything can happen in a year without any dominate team.
But before you start booking the SB tickets, lets actually get into the playoffs.
December 26th, 2023 at 8:01 pm
Before this season began, I predicted the Bucs vs the Browns in the Superbowl. You can go back and find comments I made on this website during preseason where I said exactly that. I should have went to Vegas and put $ on it…
December 26th, 2023 at 8:25 pm
I said that from the get go. Who’s cares what he did or didn’t do before he got to Tampa, let the man play football and see what happens. I’m glad he’s on a run not just as a Bucs fan but as a human being watching another human being doing what he loves to do. I personally am enjoying watching him. Fuque em Baker and show them all! Go Bucs!
December 26th, 2023 at 8:30 pm
RodMunch,
If you had an IQ higher than 75, you would understand that statistics reflect –the good, the bad, the mediocre. Therein lies the problem. It’s not Mayfield. It’s you. Every time you launch one of your galactically stupid comments, you continue to prove that it is you. You played football too long without a helmet. Never said Baker was better than anyone except you and Trask. Have a feeling that when a GM gets ready to offer Baker a massive contract, he will look at Baker’s stats and compare and contrast them with all other QB’s. That would be sensible but sensible is not one of your core competencies,
December 26th, 2023 at 8:34 pm
RodMunch,
It is frightening to know that you might be a voter in actual political elections.
December 26th, 2023 at 8:36 pm
-Rod
ME13 has never complained about any quarterback. It’s not in his DNA. He’s a consummate pro who is a great role model for young players.
ME13’s best statistical year in yards was with Jameis and Fitzpatrick throwing to him for 1,524 yards. He will more than likely not top that number this year.
ME13 needs 1 more touchdown to tie his career best with TB12 and 1 more to break it in the last two games of the season.
ME13 has had McCown, Glennon, Fitzpatrick, Winston, TB12 and now Baker, never saying anything negative about any of them and only saying positive things about each of them as he produces Hall of Fame seasons year after year.
December 26th, 2023 at 8:41 pm
rod munch
Nobody hates The Baker supporters. Now, everyone except the severely damaged have slunk over and crawled on the bandwagon.
Also, after several months of pure idiocracy- do you really think ANYONE gives ANYTHING you say any credibility?
Sorry, ole buddy- but you stubbornly rode the Anti Mayfield Edsel right over the cliff, and into a putrid fireball.
Gonna take along time to get your cred back. If ever.
Chicks and lil kids were buying Mayfield jerseys, while you were still trying to build a case against him.
Grown men seldom look that bad and that clueless
December 26th, 2023 at 8:42 pm
@BelleGladesBucs. Well thought out and could not agree mote! With everything BM has experienced my sense tells me he WILL adopt the Brady path to enable the team to sign what it takes to achieve the promised land. Just a hunch!
1
December 26th, 2023 at 8:51 pm
RodMunch,
You asked for it with your nastiness. Want you to know, buddy. that I know how to respond to jerks. You are the trailer park and I am the tornado. Keep it up.
December 26th, 2023 at 8:56 pm
Thanks to the universal suckage of most of the NFL, the parity of the entire league, Daniel Dream’s prediction of the Bucs-Browns being the last two standing is a real possibility—exactly what the NFL marketing brass would hate. Two underdog/trash pile-designate QBs in Jeff Garcia Mayfield and Flacco, reanimated and playing hot. Bottom half denizens representing the “wrong” cities, SB headliners? No T.Swift/Kelce in the booth woo-wooo, and no State Farm KC Chiefs ads? No Kyle Shanahan redemption?
The Bucs, Bowles and Mayfield are exactly what they are, and what many of us have said they are, a mostly mediocre team with mediocre coaches and a bad HC that has, to their credit, maintained that level while their opponents have face planted left and right. The “great” teams were never consistent, and are falling apart at the perfect moment for an ugly coin flip finale.
So yes. Bucs are in SB contention. Should not be, but are.
December 26th, 2023 at 9:03 pm
David is the comedian of the forum! Keep submitting Brother!! Lots of laughs!!!
December 26th, 2023 at 9:09 pm
I give him credit he’s played two great games in a row but the other two wins before them we won despite his bad play. Lest the 60% completion is unacceptable.
December 26th, 2023 at 9:10 pm
Capt Tim … ‘I think Mayfield is making Bowles a much better coach.’
I agree with your conclusion, but I also think that the reverse is equally true: Todd Bowles is making Baker Mayfield a much better QB.
Bowles stuck with Mayfield longer than Matt Rhule & Steve Wilks did last year with the Panthers when he went through a similar losing streak (1-5 last year with the Panthers and 1-5 again this year in games 3-8 … and then lost 2 of the next 3). But Bowles hung tough with Baker when a lot of JBFers (including me and probably you too) wanted a change of QB.
What TB saw I surmise is that Mayfield needed the right ‘system’ around him to be successful, and our ‘system’ wasn’t working for crappola during that losing streak. We won the Panthers & Falcons games because (1) a few things started to click; and (2) the Panthers & Falcons were pretty bad at the time. But we parlayed those 2 wins into 2 more wins where things really started to click for the Bucs. HOPEFULLY we can continue to build on that momentum for these next 2 games then into the playoffs.
December 26th, 2023 at 9:29 pm
What’s he even talking about? I love what Baker is doing and every BUCS fan I know is too. He’s a warrior and tough as nails. The dude is on fire and this team could go along way. They’re finally starting to gel as a team and they’re pretty healthy too. On any given day with good coaching and no mistakes, this team can beat anyone. Keep it rolling. They’ve really turned it around. I give props to the entire organization at this point because at 4-7 I thought we were done. Baker didn’t think so though.
December 26th, 2023 at 9:42 pm
Why haven’t you guys ever given me any props? I was telling you what was going to happen in pre-season!
December 26th, 2023 at 9:51 pm
Let’s just all forget about the past and enjoy the present and prepare for a great future!
December 26th, 2023 at 9:55 pm
I’m enjoying Baker’s play the last two games and I’m pulling for him but Trask is still better.
December 26th, 2023 at 10:26 pm
This is silly talk..there is no “Quarterback controversy.” Take a look at Baker’s stats side by side with Mahomes – they are almost identical, except that Baker’s are a tad better! Plus, as far as team chemistry, Baker has proven to be a perfect fit with the Bucs, in the locker room, on the field, in every way. Everyone loves playing with him, his competitive spirit and his Grit. My favorite play the last game, was not his stellar passing, it was early on I think the first drive, went on 3rd down he was flushed from the pocket and ran straight ahead for a first down, not sliding, but put his head down, got the 1st down and bowled over a DB at around the three yard line.. then reached his hand out and help the guy up! Hilarious. That’s a baller, and his teammates love him!
December 26th, 2023 at 10:41 pm
Had Baker been ‘trash’ until the last 2 games he wouldn’t be the #12 qb out of 50 right now
December 26th, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Total Mush cries in Pain:
December 26th, 2023 at 7:58 pm
This is why people hate the Baker Bois so much, they’re literally retarded.
So Baker is better now than Brees, Mahomes, Bradys
———-
Hey Nit. You missed a line Gipper stated
“Not saying Baker is Brady just making an honest statement about first 6 year stats.”
NO one made any statement of Baker being better than Tom brady at any time this season liar iar pants on fire.
Traskies’ – even while they are calling others morons they prove they are the only ones that are
Anyway Cry a river Mush. These parts be Baker Boi country now . We got thousands of bandwagonners jumpin in every week ( no room for you though). The only thing we want from you is more sarcastic #teampositive posts.
They are Baker’s lucky charm
Bake em Bake. Bake all dem traskies.
#LetTraskkneeltoendthesaintsgame
December 26th, 2023 at 11:06 pm
If anyone saw GMFB this morning (or want to catch it on YouTube or somewhere) have a listen to what former and well-respected GM Scott Pioli had to say about Mayfield, his maturity and need for (finally) some stability around him. He nails it. We’re only.starting to see what Baker can become. Patience grasshoppers. Patience.
December 26th, 2023 at 11:11 pm
ATLBuc Says:
December 26th, 2023 at 9:55 pm
I’m enjoying Baker’s play the last two games and I’m pulling for him but Trask is still better
—-
thats a direct quote from the Miss Pine because they are so close they do everything together now.
it was sooo moving watching their embrace Sunday as the minutes ticked off the Jags game . Awwwww true love. they coudn’t be separated. Bowles didn’t have the heart to force them apart on Christmas eve.
December 27th, 2023 at 12:16 am
Mayfield is good now because they quit running every down.
Let Mahones-Allen-anybody handoff twice and be in third and long every possession and you‘ll get same results. They get 10-20 more passing attempts then Mayfield
They miss receivers like everyone else, but get to make up for it.
Mayfield will still struggle if the genius OC insists on running (1 yard and a cloud of dust)
December 27th, 2023 at 12:39 am
Wynona Joeleen and Dweeb why don’t you go back to your Baker Mayfield Facebook and Twitter feeds along with the other non Buc fanbois! You bunch of high school cheerleaders have been up here spreading your lies about the greatness of Baker and attacking posters who said anything contrary to your love rants. Baker has been inconsistent all the way up to the Green Bay game. Unlike you clowns I’m not attached to some short Rudy guy making you feel good about yourselves. Don’t tell me who I can’t compliment Baker you lil troll. He’s on my team I’ll rail against him and root for him. You women are the reason I troll him. He seems to be a nice upfront kind of guy. Once he leaves you losers can run your lips to what ever team he goes to. What you guys gonna do when he retires??? You chumps will be in trouble you’ll have to find another sort guy to attach your lil red wagons to.
December 27th, 2023 at 12:53 am
Baker dopes, he is not even come close to Brady. You are bunch of morons comparing the GOAT with 7 super bowls to a trash qb who has been though 4 teams with losing record. LOL
December 27th, 2023 at 12:54 am
Wynona Joeleen and Dweeb why don’t you go back to your Baker Mayfield Facebook and Twitter feeds along with the other non Buc fanbois! You bunch of high school cheerleaders have been up here spreading your lies about the greatness of Baker and attacking posters who said anything contrary to your love rants. Baker has been inconsistent all the way up to the Green Bay game. Unlike you clowns I’m not attached to some short Rudy guy making you feel good about yourselves. Don’t tell me who I can’t compliment Baker you lil troll. He’s on my team I’ll rail against him and root for him. You sump pumps are the reason I troll him. He seems to be a nice upfront kind of guy. Once he leaves you losers can run your lips to what ever team he goes to. What you guys gonna do when he retires??? You chumps will be in trouble you’ll have to find another sort guy to attach your lil red wagons to.
December 27th, 2023 at 1:18 am
David and Rodmunch are roommates in a cabana…. just saying. 💯 Biden supporters who marry anything they believe no matter how wrong they are. Have the super sad life you two seem to oooze. Leftoids shouldn’t even be fans cuz nothing makes them happy….even winning, always some kinda criticism. Maybe stick to pickleball
December 27th, 2023 at 2:44 am
DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:
December 27th, 2023 at 12:39 am
Wynona Joeleen and Dweeb why don’t you go back to your Baker Mayfield Facebook and Twitter feeds along with the other non Buc fanbois!
—
It would take you to not get it.
This is OUR team. Baker Bois now OWN it. You are jus an airbnb tenant whos reservation is up
Its Baker”s world are you are just livng in it.
Go Hook up with NE fan and follow The Pats. Scoot along now ….cause Baker Bois are here to stay.
IN fact if If we win out it won’t even be the Tampa bay Bucs Anymore
It will be the Baker Bucs.
lolololol
December 27th, 2023 at 2:53 am
David Says:
December 27th, 2023 at 12:53 am
Baker dopes, he is not even come close to Brady. You are bunch of morons
—–
HOld on Tight david. Just wait till you can’t even watch TV witjout seeing Baker on a pirate ship as the captain selling insurance
Take down the number because You probably going to need the health plan with the way your hate is driving up your blood pressure.
December 27th, 2023 at 2:57 am
DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:
You chumps will be in trouble you’ll have to find another sort guy to attach your lil red wagons to.
——–
The way things are shaping up we will still have Bowles so ti will be all good.
Plus whoever we trade Kyle for. 🙂 Hopefully another 6 foot one QB
so the beat will go on
December 27th, 2023 at 3:09 am
How Bucs pay Winfield amongst others. We are so screwed.
December 27th, 2023 at 7:01 am
Well, we can think of Baker as top 10 QB
December 27th, 2023 at 8:52 am
Jack Clark. You said 40 million dollar contract hell no Baker Mayfield ain’t worth 40 million dollars! If the bucs pay him that much that would be the end of Winfield, Wirs, Mike Evans and LVD. Man some of y’all have lost your minds behind Baker Mayfield. This could be another Ryan Fitzpatrick and Todd Bowles and the Jets situation we don’t know. Fitzpatrick played good the whole year back then and what happened the next year he sucked. If they bring him back they should give him another one year or 2 year deal 15 million a year max and still draft a quarterback in the first or second round. It’s to many good quarterbacks coming out this year and they can be playing with Evans and Godwin.
December 27th, 2023 at 9:05 am
It is very simplistic and inaccurate to extrapolate the future from.the past with out putting in a factor for growth and learning from mistakes. That is how humans learn (from mistakes). Baker got beat by the Packers defense last year and the year before. So of course he will continue to get hammered by the Packers. But what if Baker actually learned from the past? Hmmm. Maybe he will get a perfect score. Same with the up and down year syndrome. He had a rookie head coach in year two. Ok don,t do that again. He played injured in year 4. Ok get the surgery right away. At 28 all the wiser with all his athletic skills in tact he could easily string together 5 consistent seasons and make the playoffs every year in a weak division. Then he can put his money where is mouth is when he says he performs best with his back is to the wall and everything is on the line.
December 27th, 2023 at 9:21 am
Mark. Do you think we can win a superbowl with Baker Mayfield that’s the real question that no one is willing to answer!! I don’t care about just making the playoffs if you ain’t winning a superbowl. Cincinnati made the playoffs 10 years in a row with Andy Dolton and they lost in the first round all 10 years is that what our fan base want?? Do you guys only want playoffs apernce with no superbowl?? I want superbowles not just making it to the playoffs and losing in the first or second round.
December 27th, 2023 at 11:29 am
Oneilbuc,
I am willing to answer your question. Here is the answer: Tampa Bay can win MULTIPLE Super Bowls with Baker Mayfield. He proved himself in a big time Oklahoma program and being awarded a Heisman Trophy. He was selected by an astute judge of talent, John Dorsey as 1st player picked in 2018. Dorsey previously selected Pat Mahomes and built the Chiefs before going to Cleveland. Hope that is clear. Finally, no QB does it by himself. Sure that no less of an authority than Tom Brady would agree.
December 27th, 2023 at 11:46 am
Anyone mentioning our backup QB at this point is probably a fake fan from another team trying to sow division and TROLLING.
Baker is the man here. Pay the man. $40 mill per times 4 years or tag him.
The anti-traskers are just as bad as the anti-bakers.
All of you stfu already and get behind our team. Freaking whiny crybabies.
December 27th, 2023 at 12:59 pm
-optimistic
If you sign Baker for a $40 million dollar a year for 4 years, then you will have effectively killed the Bucs ability to sign any quality players. Next year the Bucs only have 33 players signed on the roster and need to add 21 more through the draft, signing their free agents and signing other team’s free agents.
The Bucs currently only have $47 million in cap space. If the Bucs do what you suggest, then they only have $7 million to sign 22 players that includes Winfield and ME13.
Your plan is not wise.
December 27th, 2023 at 2:38 pm
Then tag him. He’ll easily get $40 mill on the open market.
Look at the QB situation around the league.
It’s bad. He’ll get top dollar. If people think he’s gonna take some 2 yr $15 mill per year deal…they are dreaming.
Can’t win in this league without a QB. Pay him.
December 27th, 2023 at 2:41 pm
If you have to inject politics on here…for any reason…you are a probably a huge loser in real life. Poorly educated and you probably haven’t left your trailer park in years. SMDH. Go away.
December 27th, 2023 at 4:33 pm
Onielbuc, Anyone who says emphatically so and so can win a super bowl is just taking a wild guess. If you truly can see into the future you can be a multi billionaire in a year with stock trading, sports betting and the horse track. Success in life and sports is just getting your chance at something many times and with a little luck and learning from your mistakes you can get the top prize. By being in a weak division Baker Bucs will get those
chances. Past performance does not predict future performance. Just get to the dance any anything can happen. I will say this Baker has performed well in the playoffs and he matter of factly says i perform best when all the chip are on the line. Lets give him a chance to back up that Moxie.
December 27th, 2023 at 10:16 pm
Mark hardt,
Not sure about your assertions about “past performance not predicting future results.” Indeed the reason for signing Tom Brady was based on his past performance and the hope that he would deliver a SuperBowl to Tampa. Seemed like that happened.
There is also strong mathematical data concerning the index of US stocks that is highly predicative of future results. If there wasn’t some kind of predictive value over a reasonable time horizon, why would anyone ever invest in stocks? When evaluating football talent, scouts and GM’s are selecting players based on their track records, believing that players with great speed, strength etc will translate into eventual success for their respective teams. Some talent evaluators are better than others and their teams go to Super Bowls. They were just more clever on predictive value than their competitors. In this regard the GM’s pick successful players just like Warren Buffet picks successful stocks. Just depend on who is doing the picking. John Dorsey picked Pat Mahomes because of his belief he would be a Super Bowl QB. So far so good. Dorsey also picked Mayfield we have to assume for the same reason. Why don’t we give it a little more time to see if Dorsey is also right about Mayfield?