“Nothing In The NFL Has Felt Like This”
August 1st, 2024
The cynical side of Joe might be quick to say, ‘Of course Baker Mayfield is happier than ever. He signed a $100 milllion contract.’
Who wouldn’t be high on sunshine and lollipops with that kind of new deal?
However, this post is not about Joe projecting how a guy with an eight-figure bank account in his 20s might feel. It’s about what Mayfield told CBS Sports today during a sitdown at One Wirfs Palace.
During a chat with CBS Sports HQ, Wirfs was asked about the great vibes and energy pulsating through team headquarters and if he ever remembers feeling this good before a season.
Wirfs paused and replied, ‘I’d have to go back to college, to be honest with you. Nothing in the NFL has felt like this.”
Mayfield said the Bucs believing in him reminds him of how he was trusted and relied upon at the University of Oklahoma.
Man, Joe can’t remember such a feel-good energy on Aug. 1. Even Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht was doubling down today on his bold statement of a week ago, when he said the team culture was the best he’s ever encountered. (Yes, that includes the Tom Brady era.)
Mayfield said he loves how “everybody’s accountable” on the team and he is a true believer.
“We have the potential for a team to go all the way,” Mayfield said.
A big focus this season, Mayfield said, will be on getting over the hump, figuring out how to win the biggest games.
August 1st, 2024 at 6:26 pm
LFB
August 1st, 2024 at 6:27 pm
“One Wirfs Palace.” That’s awesome.
August 1st, 2024 at 6:31 pm
Fingers crossed for a magical season where everything falls correctly and the team and FO all have the same + vibe.
Appreciate it now, especially after enduring the dark years between Gruden and Arians.
We’ve gone from “toes on the line” to “I love my teammates.”
August 1st, 2024 at 6:47 pm
Joe,
I think you used Wirfs name instead of Mayfield. Love your coverage of the Bucs!
August 1st, 2024 at 6:54 pm
This blasphemy against St Brady is poor form.
I remember when the GOAT arrived in Tampa. There was immediate accountability and a huge culture shift.
The belief they could win entered the building and it had not been there for a very long time.
I don’t know what has soured since Brady’s departure. Maybe the Tampa crew feels like Brady’s side piece and is salty about it? The guy brought legitimacy here and a SB title. He became trash at the end and everyone was mad? Not buying it.
Saying this is a better situation than Brady is a tough sell Joe.
August 1st, 2024 at 7:11 pm
Love this! Hopefully it translates to wins on the field.
Good news on Yaya! The mri came back and he avoided serious injury. He’s expects to play hopefully by week one!
August 1st, 2024 at 7:16 pm
Papa Wirfs get that money !!!
I hope the team is strong enough for the highs and lows of an entire season.
August 1st, 2024 at 7:19 pm
Peaceful Bucs fan… it’s not blasphemy. Brady helped change the culture and fans are grateful for his time here. Will never forget it. The point being made is that, the team culture trajectory has stayed on the upswing since his arrival. The Goat prolly gave off disappointed dad vibes at times and kept some guys on their toes in almost a scared way. There’s no feeling guys out this year. The important vets are all back and young guys will fall in line while being themselves because we have nothing but good people in there who are wired to work hard and be unselfish. The brass learned lessons from Brady as well, drafting the last 2 years has been for culture fits that has also added to the locker room well being.
Easy to say the vibes are as good as ever around One Buc. I’m up in Canada and just reading articles all off-season has made the feeling palpable!
August 1st, 2024 at 8:01 pm
Notice how Devin White leaves and the locker room doesnt smell like manure anymore.
August 1st, 2024 at 8:13 pm
Not worried about the biggest games, Baker, more worried about the games against the worst teams when your playoffs lives depend on it.
How about a starting their buddy boooyieeeeeeeeee!!
August 1st, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Saskbucs
Joe needs to reprint your take on Brady and the team. That is supper solid and well written!
August 1st, 2024 at 8:26 pm
Joe,
I think you used Wirfs name instead of Mayfield.
August 1st, 2024 at 8:26 pm
Have to admit he’s got me excited. I’d be ALL over that Vegas 7.5 wins line…were it not for the fact that ‘Ol Mayfield’s aggressive play gets him pretty dinged up by midseason and he never takes himself out…and he cannot be blamed because we have no backup we can reliably count on to step in and win 2 or 3 games out of 4-5 to recover.
August 1st, 2024 at 8:29 pm
Out with the cheater(Brady)in with greeters say good things & chances r u have good things happen .all in no negative Nancy’s on this site ever! good vibes= results not insults.David
August 1st, 2024 at 9:00 pm
Run the effin ball effectively
And Mayfield can take you there.
But you gotta be able to run.
August 1st, 2024 at 10:41 pm
I’d we could just get into the low 20s in rushing, that would be huge. Bake will throw for at least 4500 yards and 30 TDs.
#AsToddEvolves.25ppg.11-6.NoConfusedPlayers
August 2nd, 2024 at 1:05 am
It’s real tough to beat a super athletic, intelligent team that seems to all be into it. Unified.They’re building a great culture. Watch out.
August 2nd, 2024 at 4:06 am
Mayfield saying “Everyone’s accountable” says a lot. Seeing a brand new vibe and loving it!
August 3rd, 2024 at 5:58 pm
I think people are taking this the wrong way I don’t think he’s putting down Brady at all I think what they’re saying is the chemistry of the players is the best it’s been in a long time we just have to stay healthy and see how everything goes