Five Things
September 9th, 2024
Baker Mayfield and Jalen McMillan celebrate with Chris Godwin after Godwin caught his first touchdown of the 2024 season Sunday.
Nothing like celebrating Victory Monday after the first game of a new year. So grab your caffeine of choice and let’s get your work week rolling right.
Baker Mayfield Shutting Up Critics — Or Should Be
It wasn’t quite as bad as last offseason, but it was still bad. Finding someone outside Tampa who wrote something nice about how Baker Mayfield could be a good quarterback was nearly as difficult as finding a white tiger.
Mayfield is a punching bag for most in the national #NFLMedia. It grew very tiresome for Joe reading stories that Mayfield was just some leftover Brian Griese. Or worse.
But let’s review what Mayfield has done the past eight games, which includes two playoff games as well as yesterday’s impressive performance at The Licht House.
Mayfield has 20 touchdowns and 4 picks in that span, basically half a season Not too shabby, right? But oh, no, John Elway Kirk Cousins is going to run away with the division.
Now here are other numbers:
Yesterday, you may have heard Dallas signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a new contract worth a reported $60 million a year. Prescott has two playoff wins (total) on his resume.
Here are four NFL quarterbacks’ annual salaries (per Spotrac) and their career postseason records:
* Dak Prescott $60 million (2-5)
* Lamar Jackson $52 million (2-4)
* Kirk Cousins $45 million (1-3)
* Baker Mayfield $33 million (2-2)
So who is fleecing whom? Is Prescott taking Jerry Jones to the cleaners? Are the Bucs taking advantage of Mayfield? Is Jackson overpaid? (Probably). Is Cousins conning Artie Blank? (Yes).
Yet if you called a sports radio show and claimed Prescott, Jackson and Cousins aren’t as good as Mayfield, you’d be run from the airwaves and reported as Spam.
The way Mayfield has played the past eight games, he seems like a steal at $55 million. Joe also has to wonder if Mayfield has a good year this fall and gets the Bucs to, say, the NFC title game, does his agent call Jason Licht and tell him the semi-free lunch is over?
Christian Izien May Have Saved The Bucs
Look, Mayfield was the player of the game but you could argue Chris Godwin or Mike Evans were right there, too. But as far as the defense goes, Joe thought second year safety/cornerback Izien saved the Bucs’ bacon.
The Bucs were already short-handed when the game kicked off. Logan Hall and Calijah Kancey, injured starters both, were out. Then the bodies began dropping.
First it was Zyon McCollum. Then it was Bryce Hall. Then it was Josh Hayes. Three outside corners on the bench.
Most opponents would begin picking on the fourth-stringer now on the field. Washington tried but failed because the replacement proved worthy of his job. Izien had not played outside corner since high school. All of a sudden, he was asked to play there in the NFL. Big, big difference.
As Jordan Whitehead swore to Joe after the game, while Izien was cross-training at nickel corner and safety, Izien was not cross-training for outside corner.
So with help from coaches on positioning and tips from Antoine Winfield, Jamel Dean and Whitehead, Izien went out there and stopped the bleeding.
Joe cannot imagine the pressure Izien was under, yet he played solid ball and maybe saved the game. Washington was still in it when Izien entered.
Such a baller performance by Izien. When he arrived at The Licht House, playing outside corner probably never entered his mind.
Maybe the Bucs are deep at corner?
A New Fan Favorite?
Yesterday in the second half, with the Bucs’ run game looking as bad or worse than what it was the past two seasons despite all the changes up front and a new offensive line coach, the Bucs sent running Bucky Irving to shake things up.
The rookie sure did.
Irving averaged 6.9 yards a carry on 9 rushes. Impressive. Rachaad White? Try 2.1 yards. As the Talking Heads once sang, “Same as it ever was.”
Irving also ignited the crowd at The Licht House. On two good runs, fans gave Irving a standing-O and chanted, “Buh-kee… Buh-kee… Buh-kee… Buh-kee!!!”
The fans wanted Bucky.
So what is going to happen? Will Todd Bowles continue to let White spin his wheels for a half before bringing in Irving? Will Bowles have Liam Coen bench White?
Joe spoke about this after the game with the Sage of Tampa Bay sports, Ira Kaufman. Ira is of the mind nothing will change so long as the Bucs continue to win. If the Bucs start losing consecutive games and White is still not running well, he better watch his back.
Yes, of course, winning is the greatest perfume in sports.
Jalen McMillan Hype Is Real
With the exception of one play where, for whatever reason, rookie receiver Jalen McMillan hesitated a brief second coming out of his break leading to a catchable Mayfield pass bouncing off his hands and head, McMillan showed folks why he was so well-regarded before the draft.
Folks, if the third-round pick gets rolling, how unstoppable would the Bucs’ pass game become? You’d have Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, McMillan and Trey Palmer, and in the backfield Rachaad White.
If you are a defensive coordinator, how do you cover all those guys? You can’t. If McMillan continues improving, let’s say by Halloween, this passing game could be at a scary good new level.
The Debut Of Liam Coen
Former Los Angeles Rams and Kentucky Wildcats offensive coordinator Liam Coen has impressed Joe. Think about it: Coen’s offense put points on the board on its first five drives Sunday. That’s impressive.
And the offense was flexible, creative and diverse. And that’s just the first game!
Yeah, Joe knows Washington drafted No. 2 overall this spring for a reason, but man, it’s the NFL. These cats on Washington’s roster get paid to win, too.
Any time a brand new coordinator is able to craft a gameplan to score on its first five drives of the season, Joe is happy to say that guy was a nice hire.
After yesterday, Joe is more stoked for what the Bucs may become than geeked that football season actually started.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:08 am
Coen is the OC match we needed with Bowles. If he can keep putting 30 plus on the scoreboard it will be a great year.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:16 am
👍👍👍👍👍
September 9th, 2024 at 7:18 am
Welcome to the bandwagon Joe!
September 9th, 2024 at 7:19 am
We got this!!!!
September 9th, 2024 at 7:19 am
I think there should be an NFL rule that a newly hired offensive or defensive coordinator cannot take a job as a head coach after just one year.
Screw this King Maker nonsense. Todd Bowles wasn’t thinking about making Kings, he’s thinking about winning the Super Bowl.
It’s going the be very upsetting to see Liam coaching the Saints next year. Seems to be a thing.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:25 am
What did we have, one punt?
September 9th, 2024 at 7:26 am
Awesome takes. Add in that the ATL’s new OC could not draw up productive plays with that statue Cousins under center (in contrast to Liam Coen) plus Carolina and their boatload of former Tampa coaches got boatraced in their debut and it all adds up to a good Monday for Tampa fans.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:28 am
Stoked is a good word.
As I’ve typed most of the summer. This season is where the mean for Baker should be established. Last year was a tease on what a mature Mayfield might look like. This is the year where we see what he can really do…. With an incredible supporting cast.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:29 am
and… that smile on Barton after the illegal downfield flag was overturned and he was jogging back to the new line of scrimmage.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:44 am
Well said, Joe!
Super Bowl here we come!
September 9th, 2024 at 7:48 am
Joe, you can check me, but I believe yesterday was our team’s Best opener in way of points scored and score differential.
I know that we have things to work on, but I’m super hyped for the season. Next week will be a great barometer.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:53 am
Coen was great!! N I gotta say love the most they did not go into turtle mode keep slinging it. Thst hasn’t been the case under bowels. Offense was rolling
September 9th, 2024 at 7:55 am
Never get the game down here…….but we either faced a horrible team or the new OC is legit. Maybe both. Props.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:02 am
It will be fun to watch the fan and media critics alike squirm when they have to explain why they were so wrong in their analysis of Baker. Stats lie. Listen to your gut instincts
September 9th, 2024 at 8:02 am
Gonna have to hope we score 40 in every game with our D dropping like flies.
Couldn’t watch the game. Had to rely on the open thread.. some chatter about Wirfs not playing well..? Any truth to that?
September 9th, 2024 at 8:08 am
Name Liam Coen as Todd’s heir to the HC throne so he doesn’t bolt this offseason! Happy overreaction Monday 🙂
September 9th, 2024 at 8:27 am
As I’ve said several times, ” White is going to be one of the leagues better third down backs sooner rather than later.” Mark it.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:29 am
1 game. Onto the next.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:31 am
Did anyone read about Becky’s stat line? He had more rush yards than all 15 rookie RB’s drafted in front of him COMBINED.
That’s crazy.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:41 am
Hey everyone, first Jerry Jones is getting shafted by the coach, his receiver, and Dak. He should really know by now that Rush can maybe get to the playoffs just like Dak. Years on the payroll and an pretty good defense, no Ring, Bye bye to a lot of them. Cousins he’s about the same as Dak, he could get you there but look at all the recievers and running backs he’s had and decent defenses. No Ring. Once the offensive line started getting some control of things Baker could start working. Nice Job Baker!! Let’s Go Bucs!!!! Great way to start this season to everyone of them. But the cost of losing three CB’s is not good.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:44 am
‘Maybe the Bucs are deep at corner?’
Not today. Hope those injuries are minor.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:51 am
Offensive was nice to see even if it is against a bad WAS team. Defense is not good in it’s passing schemes and now is decimated by injuries.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:52 am
Looking forward to the vicious hitter Marcus Banks coming up off the practice squad to provide some much needed depth in the secondary.
September 9th, 2024 at 9:03 am
I was watching on an 8″ android tablet, but I saw some HUGE holes opened when Bucky ran, less so when White got the rock
September 9th, 2024 at 9:08 am
Our kicker needs some love too.
September 9th, 2024 at 9:15 am
Dak and Lamar are highly overrated.
September 9th, 2024 at 9:40 am
Bucky got a lot of love in the stadium. The crowd loved him. The offense seemed very different when he was on the field. In obvious passing downs, White was the clear choice on the field though.
September 9th, 2024 at 9:55 am
Bucky is legit. So is Jmac.
Barton looked good.
Mauch really struggled but Payne is no joke.
September 9th, 2024 at 10:14 am
A great opening day win. Props to Todd for his prowess on opening day.
As someone else said, better be prepared to score 40 at Ford Field. We gave up 31 to them in the playoffs with healthy starters on defense.
The Lions and Goff are legit.
September 9th, 2024 at 10:40 am
“A Bucs Fan” – LoL there weren’t 15 Running Backs taken in front of Bucky. He was like the 5th or 6th taken, so I don’t know if that 15 was supposed to be a ‘5’ there, or not!? On another note… I’m much more worried about Kancey & Winfield Jr. right now, than I am our DB’s overall. Ya know, we might be able to pick-up a #1 or #2 lockdown Corner at the deadline, as long as we’re winning and are in a good position to do so. Hall’s injury sounded extremely BAD. They wouldn’t even show the replay of it when they came back from commercial, so I’m guessing he’s prob DONE. Maybe, at least until the playoffs!?
September 9th, 2024 at 10:48 am
I sure liked how the Bucs played against DC. BUT!!!!! Next week will be a much bigger test. I was very pleased with the overall team play. Lots of Bucs made great individual plays too! But the next game will be a truer test. Gonna reserve my enthusiasm a bit until after the Detroit game. Go Bucks!!
September 9th, 2024 at 10:49 am
Had so much confidence in our new OC and passing game that I placed a bet for the Bucs to be the highest scoring team of week 1. Too bad our old friend Dave had to let the Aints run all over them and ruin my bet!
September 9th, 2024 at 11:11 am
You damn White with one side of your mouth and praise him with the other. Perhaps a regimen of Haldol could correct that behavior.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:13 am
So far so good. Our depth showed on the d line and dbs. I hope the injury thing tops off soon. Next week we may need to score 30+ again to win and that won’t be easy. Detroit played very physical last night. Detroit ‘s Hutchinson was mauling LA’s O-Line. Stafford was under siege most of the game, but countered with short outs and quick screens. LA also was able to run pretty well early but got away from it as the game went on. LA lost in overtime.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:16 am
The offense looks absolutely electric. The defense looks a little rough and even worse after the injuries. I watched YaYa get absolutely manhandled quite a few times. Braswell was out of position a lot. JTS is JTS and our secondary went from deep to oh crap in one half. KJ Britt looked slooow … The Lions are physical and fast on offense and our defense better be ready. I love the win, but reality is six days away.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:18 am
LETSSSSS GOOOOOOO! 17-0 Baker 63 TDS no INTS, BUCKY IRVING 155 YARDS PER GAME! MIKE EVANS 25 TDS, GODWIN 20 TDS, MCLAUGHLIN 60/60 FG% DEFENSE 88 SACKS!!! LETS GOOOOOOOOOO
September 9th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Watching Good Morning Football. Their “highlight” spot for the game was 99% about Jayden Daniels and 1% “Jalen McMillion” TD. National sports media is an absolute joke.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:29 am
White is not a 3 down back. Need a Tuck and Buc asap,
He cant hit a hole. Poor vision, no instinct.
Coen needs H back scheme.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:41 am
@Booger I made a mistake. They weren’t all in front of him. They were all rookie RB’s that were drafted this season.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:43 am
@Booger – I saw Bryce Halls injury. His foot got stuck underneath a player and his ankle dislocated. He freed it then he took another step and it dislocated again and he fell down. He’s got a dislocated ankle with a fibula fracture. It depends on how bad the fracture is but best case scenario is 8 weeks. Worst case scenario is he is gone for the season.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:47 am
It is easy to watch the replay of the entire game on the computer. EA Sports did a great one. It was a terrific game to watch. We can nitpick all day but almost all of our players (even Dean) played very well. I don’t know if we can beat the Lions but I do expect a great game. Mayfield was super.
September 9th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Gotcha, “A Bucs Fan!”
September 9th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
If Baker continues to play like that ld gladly give him a raise.
Props to Izzy, amazing performance worthy of a game ball.
September 9th, 2024 at 12:18 pm
Yah, it’s mind-blowing to me! I HATE that I’m even helping their ratings. “Get Up” (unwatchable) seriously, had FOUR segments on the fricken Cowboys, during a 2-hour show on Opening Day, & Carton (now unwatchable since becoming “Breakfast Ball” or whatever TF – I mean, WHO really wants listen to or have to hear Mark Freaking Schlereth early in THE MORNING), did THREE full segments on the Cowboys, himself!? It’s just mind-blowing that all of these ‘national’ shows continue to only cover just a HANDFUL of Teams!!!! And, that they ALL cover just the exact SAME ones… It makes NO sense, & is boring AF. I mean, you can see it on the faces of all of the panelists (especially during the off-season), right before being FORCED to do so… They’re like, do we REALLY have to talk about THIS AGAIN, for literally, the 86TH day in a ROW!? Mind-Blowing. The ONLY time Baker was even MENTIONED was towards the end of the show, when Dan-O named him his “Statement” Player of the Week!!!!
September 9th, 2024 at 12:22 pm
Wow, they FINALLY decided to talk about it during the very last segment of “First Take.” It only took ‘em until about 11:45!!!!
September 9th, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Any word on injuries today?
September 9th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Im certainly not ready to crown Liam Coen after 1 solid day of play calling.
But if he does prove out to be elite, I think of the NFL would be wary of hiring another first year play caller from the Bucs if the Canales experiment fails in Carolina.
What in the world were the Panthers thinking?
September 9th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Yes McMillan is the real deal but what excited me as much about his move and catch was the HUGE separation!!! Give Coen credit for scheming JMac wide open not once but twice.
Last season Palmer had the speed to perhaps burn people but the OC was not “scheming” people open. Coen could be the real deal!!!
September 9th, 2024 at 1:12 pm
I expect Baker will continue to play well and by midseason will be squarely in MVP discussion. To make this happen the defense must not allow sustained, clock eating drives. Yesterday there was a stop on 3rd and 10 that was negated by a defensive holding call. GET MAYFIELD THE BALL.
September 9th, 2024 at 1:14 pm
When we take care of the Detroit Darlings, they will have to more Bucs.
September 9th, 2024 at 1:32 pm
See why it’s important to take the points & for teams & coaches to get out of this stupid analytics mindset? Pittsburgh kicked six FGs & won &.did the Bucs a favor. Instead all of these teams & coaches want to be greedy & want to score a TD on every possession. Just kick the FG or punt the ball.
September 9th, 2024 at 1:41 pm
Cardiac kidz Says:
September 9th, 2024 at 1:14 pm
When we take care of the Detroit Darlings, they will have to more Bucs.
———————-
Man, from your keyboard to the NFL gods’ ears. I’ll be glad if they get a Cardiac Bucs win. Lions aren’t kittens anymore, they are for real.
September 9th, 2024 at 2:03 pm
You forgot the sixth thing “O” Line needs to play better Baker can’t keep running for his life or he will be wearing a boot also.
September 9th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
Very true! Because White is half great, half awful. Fantastic in the pass game. Putrid in the run game.
September 9th, 2024 at 2:15 pm
All I know is I’m glad Canales went to Carolina
September 9th, 2024 at 2:32 pm
If Dennis Green ( RIP ) were to have a presser today…perhaps he’d claim the following:
“They are who we thought they were!”
-Kissin’ Cousins…a top 5 highest paid NFL player of ALL TIME…did what he does.
-Canales aka El Hornāy barely kept his OC job in Tampa at 4-7…now a head coach? We shall see…
Still early…but Cousins is who he is and Can do Canales will never be considered a major loss in Tampa…conned Carolina into bed with him..something he wrote about in a book ! 😉
September 9th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
CD3 on ME13 next week, can’t wait
September 9th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Cardiac Kid….
Steve Deberg actually led the Bucs to an opening day win against the falcons in 1987 48-10 in my first Bucs game ever as a 17 yr old new to Tampa and was completely hooked.
And spent several years later getting drunk with that same QB just about every home game in beer garden at the old Sombero.
Damn, I miss those days ….lol
September 9th, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Beeej Says:
September 9th, 2024 at 9:03 am
I was watching on an 8″ android tablet, but I saw some HUGE holes opened when Bucky ran, less so when White got the rock
Shhhh! You’re going to make accurate observations that clash with the Bucky good, Rachaad bad gang. FYI – I saw the same thing but on a 60″ display 👍🏼
Joe watches the film, too. It’s amazing, right? Rachaad White has the worst luck in his 450 career carries. –Joe
September 10th, 2024 at 6:42 pm
It was a good first game. We have things that need improved, like Baker running for his life, and unneeded/ poor play defensive penalties on 3rd down. But all and all I am very pleased with the team that showed up and played on Sunday. The Offense will figure the Bucky/White running and passing fit. The line looked better and kept Backer off his ass. We will see what ee are truly made of next week in the motor city.