Has Baker Mayfield Been Paying Too Much Attention To Mike Evans?
December 8th, 2023
Pass distribution.
After Sunday’s game over the Stinking Panthers, a rare Bucs win, Baker Mayfield said something that really hit home for Joe.
Mayfield confessed that the last thing he wanted was for this season to end with Mayfield being the quarterback who broke Mike Evans’ streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Joe can sympathize with Mayfield. Evans is a future Hall of Fame player. Why wouldn’t you want to target him? Imagine if Pro Football Hall of Fame voters used Evans’ broken streak at nine seasons against him in keeping him out of the Hall? That would be a helluva burden to live with the rest of your days, especially with Mayfield living in Texas.
However, was it always in the back of Mayfield’s mind, subconsciously, that he had to get the ball to Evans and maybe that is why Mayfield hasn’t been getting the ball to Chris Godwin that much?
For example, Mayfield targeted Evans 12 times on Sunday, Godwin got 3.
Joe asked Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales this yesterday. Canales didn’t deny the premise, and he sort of thought it was a good thing that Mayfield looks to Evans’ early an often.
“Everybody in the stadium [expects Evans to get targeted], right?” Canales said. “Us, the defense, Baker. You look at some of the catches that Mike has made for us this year, that’s an understanding that we all have.
“I think that 12 targets for Mike – that’s a really good day for us. I always [say], ‘Guys, whenever we have Chris [Godwin] or Mike running full speed after the catch, we did our job because we designed a play that attacks a certain defense. If they’re screaming and running afterwards, that was a really cool design.
“I think we’re all tied into where Mike is at. The whole football world is. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying that. I would love to get Chris going in a real way.”
Why wouldn’t you want to target your Hall of Fame receiver? Not doing so is like a team constantly running the ball between the tackles for nothing and not targeting your three high-quality pass catchers… oh, wait.
Joe thinks it is no coincidence that Mayfield said he didn’t want to be the quarterback to break Evans’ record and Godwin not getting many targets. On Sunday specifically, Joe warned fans that the ball would be pounded to Evans relentlessly because that’s what every Bucs quarterback does when Evans approaches 1,000 yards in a season.
Joe’s not saying Mayfield has forced the ball to Evans all season, but he’s looking to Evans first and foremost.
Now that Evans’ record is established, might we see Mayfield distribute the ball more widely beginning Sunday at Atlanta?
December 8th, 2023 at 4:08 am
The needs of the many out weigh the needs of a few.
December 8th, 2023 at 4:15 am
An OC’s job & a QB’s job is to win ball games, period. Get us to 17-0 and all of us could care less HOW we got there or WHO holds what record. Winners focus on TEAM records, not individual records.
December 8th, 2023 at 4:24 am
@Hodad
A Spock quote! Nice!!!
December 8th, 2023 at 4:27 am
@Defense Rules
What you said is spot on…but…
…Mike Evans.
December 8th, 2023 at 4:29 am
In truth, targeting Evans has not hurt the team. He has produced.
The issue, I think, is with the offense running more, the passing is reduced. That’s where the problem is.
But if they pass more, Mayfield will make far more mistakes.
December 8th, 2023 at 4:55 am
Wins and Loses will determine weather or not Coach T states or goes …same goes for Baker! Although it is my opinion that Baker is progressing as a player and taking advantage of the opportunity given him to lead this team! Now if he can carve out a way to make it to the playoffs. Taking what the Defense gives is what I have always heard the game was about!! PLAYOFF BOUND? ….Baker continues to play better ….and this Defense needs to find its leader now and I do mean now!
December 8th, 2023 at 5:43 am
all the drama and stuff going on needs to be put to the side because a big game looms sunday…
hopefully the bucs have woken up and can get back to what they were doing during the first quarter of the season…winning…
i haven’t said it in a while…
but this sunday, baker needs to be cookin’ in the pot…
it’s been a while
December 8th, 2023 at 5:54 am
Each and every player needs to get their crap together this weekend and play like men. Stop the phantom injuries and find your sack. No dragging butt. No tanking. Just winning. And stop wasting first downs with running. You are the laughing stock of the league. Again.
December 8th, 2023 at 5:55 am
Drama is kicking into high gear when the team needs to focus on making the playoffs. This is all a result in poor leadership. Put it this way: the roster would be empty of talent if the NFL were to have a transfer portal like they have in college ball.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:06 am
Ok Joe it is now officail. I am no longer buying Bowles BS and I have just now put Canales in the same boat.
A bit more creative than Bowles with his BS but never the less it is BS. He can’t be called out for lying though…Geez!
Go Bucs!
December 8th, 2023 at 6:11 am
Either Baker is forcing the ball to which actually works pretty good. The scheme is using him right. Not sure if it’s a Baker thing or scheme thing. Baker could improve on spreading it around and getting rid of the ball.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:13 am
Evans is getting the ball because he is open. Sad truth is Godwin can’t get seperation from linebackers in man to man coverage and Palmer can’t catch. We have two threats in the passing game Evans and White. Godwin wife can complain all she wants but he just can’t get open anymore.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:32 am
Mike is open and he’s often Mayfields 1st or 2nd read. That’s why he gets the most targets/yards/throws.
When Baker is QB if a player is not a quick read or a check down they may as well not exist.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:33 am
Dan the man just hit the nail on the head. End of story.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:33 am
All the blame on Todd for the lack of targets, may be on Todd some as a coach, BUT the bottom line is Baker is the one throwing the football, AND he not an accurate overall to say the least. I mean he is consistently way off his deep passes he is more off target than Jameis was. Baker is the one distributing the Ball, so it comes down to Baker.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:39 am
August 1976 Buc Says:
All the blame on Todd for the lack of targets, may be on Todd some as a coach, BUT the bottom line is Baker is the one throwing the football, AND he not an accurate overall to say the least. I mean he is consistently way off his deep passes he is more off target than Jameis was. Baker is the one distributing the Ball, so it comes down to Baker.
————————
Baker’s career completion percentage is marginally better than JW
December 8th, 2023 at 6:54 am
Hmmm. So basically Baker is doing the same thing that every single QB Mike Evans has ever had is doing?
December 8th, 2023 at 7:01 am
Baker’s career record when he attempts 35+ passes is 6-24. 0-4 with the Bucs.
Stop asking him to “pass more.” That’s a terrible strategy.
December 8th, 2023 at 7:09 am
Patriots unknown backup QB starts and sparks a win. Who would have thought.
Just sayin…….
December 8th, 2023 at 7:18 am
I’m just gonna say it.
Anybody else notice all the bad qbs we have had go to mike evans
The one good one
The GOAT did not.
Think people. everybody high diving mike getting 1k while the team is a raging dumpster fire. every year lol.
Start Trask
December 8th, 2023 at 7:18 am
Joe is right it is not a coincidence. It’s the kind of off hand remark any quarterback would make about any receiver and especially a star receiver. I bet he’s said he needs to get the ball to Godwin, too. And Otton and Rachaad White, etc., etc.
Evans is getting wide open quite a lot. I’m not sure how he does it. I don’t see Godwin running free behind the defense all that much. Maybe it’s Godwin or more likely it’s Canales or Bowles or a combination of all three. Even Canales’ statement hints its poor play design.
In any case, blaming what’s going wrong on what’s going right is all too common these days. Seems a little Pinko Communist!
December 8th, 2023 at 7:28 am
I saw Godwin’s line up on the inside this week with no LB near him on the inside on 3rd down. A quick slant and it’s 1st down. No audible or anything and CG runs like an outside post pattern into coverage and BM force it elsewhere for an incomplete. Those were Brady’s money throws….and BM simply will not and can not make the throw. Stop with the mike is open bs….cause Chris sure as hell can get open. If anything they are using him as a decoy to pull the cb’s down….probably why mike is open.
December 8th, 2023 at 7:30 am
That analysis can be done. It takes a lot of work watching film. I suspect Baker already knows if he has been missing Godwin being open because of focusing on Evans.
But to the point it has stopped drives? Cost them games?
I don’t know. The kid has been running for his life this season because of the palpable weakness in the interior line. That weakness also explains the lousy running game (coupled with a Leftwich like obsession with running up the middle).
Let’s see what changes.
December 8th, 2023 at 7:35 am
1,000 yards is not that big a deal in a 17 game season – 59 yards per game average gets you there. It’s not like OJ Simpson rushing for 2,000 yards in a 14 game season, only player to do so – 143 yards per game average.
Right now, after only 12 games, 9 receivers are over 1,000 yards. With 5 games left, 3 are over 900 yards, and 6 are over 800 yards. So after 17 games we could be looking at 20 receivers over 1,000 yards.
Evans was going to get his 1,000 whether Mayfield focused on him or not.
December 8th, 2023 at 7:56 am
lol this boss guy clearly hates Mike Evans. We get it dude unfortunately you don’t have to lie. It’s clear as day that Mike has always been a true no1 wr. Godwin is a fantastic number 2 but has never once in his entire career been a no 1.
December 8th, 2023 at 8:04 am
The run first mentality is the problem and that has to do directly with Bowles philosophy. In a passing league he wants to be a run oriented team even tho we’re not built that way. I would understand wanting to run the ball more if we DIDNT have ME13 CG14 RW1 and KO88. It’s crazy that Bowles doesn’t play to our strengths. Look at the stats of our Oline. They don’t give up many sacks but yet they can’t open up lanes consistently for running the ball. I’m not a betting man but i would bet if BA was brought in for another season we would have. Top 5 offense in passing and scoring with BM6 running the offense yet Bowles takes over with practically the same team and runs the offense into the dirt and his defense starts to suffer at the same time 🤔. I’ve seen enough of the Bowles show
December 8th, 2023 at 8:39 am
@realistic-optimistic
If those are Bakers real stats when attempting 35 or more passes. That is amazing, everyone on the Baker band-wagon needs to ride that wagon right on out of town.
At least Winston was aided by a true HISTORICLY bad D. While padding his stats always trying to come back from the whole he and the D put themselves in.
I forgot what the number was but the Bucs lost something like 15 games by less than on score while JW was our QB. Granted JW was bad about the untimely turn over and had to go.
Baker does not get the same treatment as JW cause we didnt draft him. He is who he is at this point. A backup just like JW. He is a HUGE part of what is holding this team back.
#StartKyleTrask
December 8th, 2023 at 8:56 am
I love all you Baker Haters. The fact is that if Baker keeps winning, Baker keeps playing. That must be driving you Cult of Kyle fans crazy! If the Bucs make the playoffs then Baker may have the opportunity to be re-signed. I’m sure that thought is very comforting to all of you. But I don’t know if it would be best for Baker. If the “fans” on this site are representative of all Bucs fans then he and any other QB should sign elsewhere. But I don’t think that’s the case. The Bucs fans I know are supportive. Whereas many of you guys are sadistic jokes.
December 8th, 2023 at 8:59 am
@WiseCrack, those are definitely his numbers. Even in his greatest season (2020), when he made the playoffs and got a playoff win, the trend was the same.
2020
34 attempts: 1-4 record
He only wins when the team doesn’t need him making plays.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:00 am
*more than 34 attempts: 1-4 record
December 8th, 2023 at 9:07 am
WyomingJoe
“If the “fans” on this site are representative of all Bucs fans then he and any other QB should sign elsewhere”
Joe I gotta agree somewhat but we both must realize this is far from the Chicago Cubs fanbase who simply LOVED their team win or lose.
It’s starting to grow illogical. Despite EVERYONE here agreeing that Bowles is a horrible HC largely because of his strategy and use of the Offense, despite a new OC and new OL and an RB who is better receiving…it simply MUST be Baker’s fault.
I understand and sympathize with the Trask nuthuggers. They’re just peoed their boy isn’t under center and so have it in for Baker. I get it and it’s OK.
So we’ve questioned Bucs Ownership, Upper management, coaches, players, strategies you are the first here to question the Bucs fanbase. I’ll second your question.
This team predicted to be horrid (losing a GOAT at QB and entering cap hell Bonzai) is actually still in a playoff run IF they can simply win Sunday.
And not to disabuse some of our fans but the Falcons are not as bad as we may wish to believe. They already have wins over Green Bay, Houston and New Orleans. It will be tough to beat the Falcons in their Mercedes! In fact the “smart money” guys have the Falcons as 2 point favorites.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:11 am
@stpete, TWO THINGS CAN BE TRUE!
Bowles needs to go.
Baker needs to go.
Seriously, pull up both of their career data. Both of them are doing the exact same thing this year as they have their entire careers. Stop trying to defend a 1-year rental QB (paid like a backup) and a HC riding a current 5-year streak of losing seasons.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:18 am
@WyomingJoe
Please clarify what you mean by “Baker KEEPS winning”. Do you just ignore the stats and facts? I mean it makes sense now why we are trying to run the ball so much.
Baker, by way of his record, is a losing QB. Period the end. I am not calling him a loser personally. Heck, by all accounts he is a real hard tryer of life too. Much more so than Winston. But I am not a fan of players for off the field activities. Unless of course the go above and beyond to be noticed.
Hopefully this is the only blind obsession you project onto others.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:27 am
@stpetebucfan
Kyle is not my boy. Just like Baker is not your boy. The only ones that get my attention are the ones on my team.
Last I checked, Kyle and Baker play the same position. Last I checked, we drafted Kyle and sat him behind a former #1 overall QB and the GOAT QB.
I, like most lifelong Bucs fans. Just want to see our team winning. Which has not been the case with the FAILED reclamation project AKA Baker.
Had we drafted Baker, sure, I would want him to have every chance possible to succeed. Much like we gave JW. Hints why the majority of us just want Kyle to get his chance.
Baker is a career loser and no amount of spin or blaming others will change that. He came to a winning team and has turned it into a loser.
The hope is Kyle will do better OR let us know if we need to draft a QB. It really is that simple now.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:46 am
So even in Baker’s best year in Cleveland he only threw the ball 34 or more times in five games?
Maybe they only threw that many times in games where they fell two or three scores behind, due to the Browns having the top rushing offense in the league. He must have been pretty heroic in the win, as in the other 10 wins he piled up that season.
Whether it’s Baker, Trask, or some rookie next year probably doesn’t matter that much with the clowns coaching the team. I’ll be happy to see the OL continue to improve and Kancey and Diaby get a few more sacks down the stretch so the next coaching staff has something to build on.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:59 am
@larrd, 35+ is the cutoff I’m using. And one of those games was the playoff loss to KC. He also threw for fewer than 200 yards 7 times that year. CLE’s running game carried his sorry a$$.
December 8th, 2023 at 10:01 am
Maybe Evans is the only one Baker can see over the lines. Evans is the tallest receiver.
December 8th, 2023 at 10:06 am
He might be over compensating for ignoring OBJ and getting pushed out of Cleveland because of his meddling Dad and the players who OBJ befriended taking his side. OBJ is not exactly lighting it up in Baltimore and he played second fiddle to Cooper Kupp in LA. Mike is highly popular with fans and players and Baker knows he needs to take care of him. The others are good receivers but don’t have the same power in the community and the team that Mike does. Brady could get away with ignoring anybody he wanted because he is the GOAT. Baker has no such cache.
December 8th, 2023 at 10:57 am
Pewter report referenced how baker is not running as well as the first quarter of season. I think his ankle is not 100%. Teams are also keeping him from rolling out , bootlegging. I was thinking , too , how many reliable hands he has to pass to. We’ve passed the development stage of the season. Every drop matters. Baker has three solid pass catchers..it’s in his, and the teams, interest to feed Mike, Rashad, and Chris pass attempts. Palmer , though talented, not yet a reliable number 3 receiver that teams fear. Purdy must pinch himself every time he drops back, with 4 scary targets ( cmc, Deebo, auiyuk, kittle).
December 8th, 2023 at 11:07 am
WiseCrack Says:
@stpetebucfan
Baker is a career loser and no amount of spin or blaming others will change that. He came to a winning team and has turned it into a loser.
—————————-
Not sure if you watched this team last year or not…
December 8th, 2023 at 11:08 am
I’d like to see a Venn diagram of those who think Baker doesn’t win enough, and those who think gruden is a great ‘winning’ coach.
December 8th, 2023 at 12:35 pm
realistic-optimistic Says:
“Baker’s career record when he attempts 35+ passes is 6-24. 0-4 with the Bucs.”
Is that for real? So he is a non-passer in a passing league. Nice! Why did we waste a season on this guy? We could be ahead of the curve now knowing whether Kyle will work out or we need to draft a quarterback. We have literally accomplished nothing this season.
December 8th, 2023 at 12:38 pm
realistic-optimistic, Stats only tell part of the picture. Nothing about flow of the game, who was hurt, throw aways due to pressure, drops, situations, or defensive play. For Tampa Bay this year, better defense would have won 2-3 more games. Look up scoring drive % for longer than 60 and shorter than 60 yards.
December 8th, 2023 at 12:53 pm
stpetebucfan, yet the game at Atlanta is very winnable by the Bucs. If 1) stop stupid o-line related penalties. You know the snap count, defense doesn’t.
2) catch the ball when you’re open. Sounds simple, but keep count for reference should they lose.
3) Defense, give the offense a short field…please. I love Bucs don’t give up TDs inside the five, but that’s 95 to score guys.
4) Pass on 1st down more. Falcons have watched the film.
December 8th, 2023 at 12:57 pm
walleye, Guess you would be surprised to know who the winning QB was on the winning team of the highest total offense game in NCAA history is. The losing QB was Mahommes in that game. Baker can pass. He is accurate. Everyone discounts that the defensive guys Bucs are playing are also in the NFL, so not chumps.
December 8th, 2023 at 12:59 pm
Student of the Game,
Our defense is ranked way higher than our offense. You need to find another scapegoat. Try looking ON the offense.
December 8th, 2023 at 1:04 pm
realistic-optimistic, My prediction is, you will get your wish with Baker. TB will win their division, Baker will take his 2 – 3 touchdowns to interceptions ratio to another playoff team next year for 5-7 times what he makes this year that beats the Bucs like a drum. Then TB can join the Brown’s club of be careful what you wish for.
December 8th, 2023 at 1:09 pm
la bucfan, yet 2-3 losses site squarely on late 4th qtr play of the defense. That shows you what rankings/statistics mean. Doesn’t win games. Defense was supposed to be the strength of this team and that is why the offense is very conservative relative to the rest of the league. Sorry, I grew up in the “if they never score you will never lose” days. San Francisco, Phily, KC, Dallas, Detroit are all winning with defense and giving the offense short fields to score.
December 8th, 2023 at 1:17 pm
Baker needs to stay. Licht might have been born at night, but he wasn’t born last night. When is the last time that the bucs had an accurate, young QB that was a number one overall draft selection?
100 millski, 3 years. Same as Sir Mike Evans.
December 8th, 2023 at 1:29 pm
2-3 TDs/INT ratio eh? He currently sits at 120 TDs and 72 INTs. His ratio is 1.67. Do you want a do-over?
To your second point about joining “the Brown’s club of be careful what you wish for.” CLE sank a #1 overall pick into him. The Bucs paid him backup money for 1 season. Not really the same risk, or loss.
December 8th, 2023 at 1:49 pm
So Student of the Game lists 5 of the best offenses in the NFL and says they all win with Defense LMAO.
Why such an investment protecting Baker?
I swear you guys must all be Bakers’ friends lol.
The guy is NOT a starting caliber QB in the NFL.
Of course there are really only a hand full of GOOD starting QBs in the NFL.
If you want to continue to look at stats against other mediocre QBs go ahead.
The 35+ passing attempts is a damning stat regardless of your personal feelings about Mayfield.
That stat doesn’t and CANNOT lie.
The sooner we look elsewhere, the quicker this team turns the corner.
Every fan wanting Trask is not a nut hugger, or Florida fan. He is just the other QB on the team.
We have seen enough of Baker in 1 year, to last a lifetime.
PASS
December 8th, 2023 at 3:24 pm
@UK
How many Super Bowls has Baker won, because Gruden has one.
Does Baker have a career winning record, because Gruden does.
How many non losing seasons does Baker have, because Gruden has 10 in his 15 years as a head coach.
That’s Gruden’s resume on the field, and Baker’s resume is significantly inferior in comparison to Jon Gruden.
December 8th, 2023 at 5:16 pm
Gruden’s a career .500 coach who took Dungy’s team to a Super Bowl. Can’t build a team. Can’t coach a young QB. Overrated.
December 8th, 2023 at 5:52 pm
@UK
You’re factually incorrect.
First, the Jon Gruden won with Tony Dungy’s team argument is hogwash, a myth and a lie.
Kennan McCardel who was our WR2, Joe Jeurvicus who was our WR3, Ken Dilger who was our TE1, Rickey Dudley who was our TE2, and Michael Pittman who was the Bucs RB1 were all Jon Gruden additions, having never played one down for Tony Dungy.
Only Brad Johnson QB1, Keyshawn Johnson WR1 and Mike Alstott RB2 ever played as skill position players for Tony Dungy.
Five out of 8 of the skill position players were Jon Gruden additions. That’s half of the Super Bowl Champion offense who never played for Tony Dungy.
LT Roman Oben, LG Kerry Grnkins also never played for Tony Dungy, only playing for Jon Gruden. That’s 2 out of the 5 starters on offensive line.
Those above facts show that a majority of the Bucs Super Bowl winning team coached by Jon Gruden never played for Tony Dungy.
Secondly, Jon Gruden’s career record is 117-123. That’s above .500 for mathematically challenged people.
When you are so wrong on easily researched facts @UK, it’s hard to take you seriously.
December 8th, 2023 at 5:54 pm
@UK
You’re factually incorrect.
First, the Jon Gruden won with Tony Dungy’s team argument is hogwash, a myth and a lie.
Kennan McCardel who was our WR2, Joe Jeurvicus who was our WR3, Ken Dilger who was our TE1, Rickey Dudley who was our TE2, and Michael Pittman who was the Bucs RB1 were all Jon Gruden additions, having never played one down for Tony Dungy.
Only Brad Johnson QB1, Keyshawn Johnson WR1 and Mike Alstott RB2 ever played as skill position players for Tony Dungy.
Five out of 8 of the skill position players were Jon Gruden additions. That’s half of the Super Bowl Champion offense who never played for Tony Dungy.
LT Roman Oben, LG Kerry Grnkins also never played for Tony Dungy, only playing for Jon Gruden. That’s 2 out of the 5 starters on offensive line.
Those above facts show that a majority of the Bucs Super Bowl winning team’s OFFENSE was coached by Jon Gruden never played for Tony Dungy.
Secondly, Jon Gruden’s career record is 117-123. That’s above .500 for mathematically challenged people.
When you are so wrong on easily researched facts @UK, it’s hard to take you seriously.
December 8th, 2023 at 5:59 pm
@UK
Jon Gruden’s career record is 117-112.
I apologize for my fat fingers and typing on an iPhone.
December 8th, 2023 at 6:22 pm
It’s starting to grow illogical. Despite EVERYONE here agreeing that Bowles is a horrible HC largely because of his strategy and use of the Offense, despite a new OC and new OL and an RB who is better receiving…it simply MUST be Baker’s
Bowles continually makes bad decisions but signing Mayfield was a Great One.
Right.
December 8th, 2023 at 8:25 pm
BelleGladeBuc, I just want to mention that Gruden was going to win that Super Bowl regardless if anyone thinks he did it with Dungies team or not because most people don’t even realize that Gruden’s system was being used and his team was built on the other side the NFL, the AFC team that lost to the Bucs was Grudens manifestation, he was not going to be denied that Super Bowl championship. Gruden Dominated 2002 in the NFL
December 8th, 2023 at 11:19 pm
He has been getting his best weapon the ball.
December 9th, 2023 at 10:51 am
I can’t understand why we keep leaving timeouts on the table
December 9th, 2023 at 8:11 pm
Start Trask