“Superstar” Baker Mayfield?
October 31st, 2024
Too soon?
Joe wouldn’t label Baker Mayfield a “superstar.” But this year he is certainly a star.
This weekend marks the halfway point of the season the Bucs. A little more, actually, until the NFL wisely adds an 18th game.
(If it takes a 20-game season like the original USFL — Joe never once heard anyone whine about that — to delouse the league of those stains upon society known as worthless preseason games, then Joe is 100 percent behind that effort.)
The Twitter feed @_MLFootball this week referred to Mayfield as a “superstar.” As @_MLFootball points out, Mayfield leads the league in touchdowns (21), is second in yards (2,189, eight yards shy of league-leading Geno Smith) and is third in the league in qualifying completion percentage (71.1).
Those numbers are a little surprising. Mayfield plays in a dink-and-dunk offense. The fact he has so many passing yards is a testament to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rachaad White for getting so lots of YAC yards.
Is the reigning Pro Bowl MVP a “star” in the league? Probably. If he keeps up this pace he certainly will be.
Superstar? With all due respect, Joe has to see Mayfield put together three years like this to reach that plateau. A Super Bowl ring in the mix would sure help.
SUPERSTAR: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield leads the NFL with 21 touchdowns, ranks 2nd in yards, and 3rd in completion rate — the first to do so in 7 years.
🤯
Pretty special season for Baker. pic.twitter.com/vfkTru0Q2f
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 30, 2024
October 31st, 2024 at 12:23 am
Over the last 3 games…
12 of 39 with 1 TD and 6 INTs when he passes more than 10 yards down the field.
That’s a huge concern, as Baker over his entire time in Tampa hasn’t been good in the downfield passing game. However, Baker is good at moving in the pocket and in the short passing game, and so long as the dink and dunk is scoring points and moving the ball, then who cares how they get it done.
Really can’t give enough credit to Coen as well. He’s been fantastic using Baker to the best of his abilities, and scheming guys open.
In any case you can absolutely win with the short passing game – just hope Baker settles down on the longer throws and takes sacks or dumps it off instead of throwing into double and triple coverage like he’s been doing the last few weeks.
October 31st, 2024 at 12:30 am
My worst fear is the Bucs ‘re-signing” him to a longterm $50MIL+per year deal, when it comes time to make that final decision between moving forward with HIM, or drafting a new QB on a ‘rookie-scale’ deal. Now, that is SCARY… Say a 5yr/$276-MILLION Deal.
October 31st, 2024 at 12:41 am
Hey he doesnt have to be a star. Hes better than anyone besides brady this 27 y/o bucs fan has seen, thats enough of a star for me
October 31st, 2024 at 12:49 am
BM also has 7 interceptions in last 3 games. At that rate he’ll get 28. (JW was cut for throwing 30)
October 31st, 2024 at 1:18 am
Last year 18 more TDs than interceptions. This year 12 more TDs than interceptions already. Last year 6 TD passes in the playoffs. More than any other QB. He does need several more years of that type production. And in my book no QB is a superstar without at least 1 Super Bowl. Funny though Rod Munch thinks it’s all about the new OC. Last year old Rod Munch gave Canales the credit. Rod Munch pull your head out- a good OC helps but they damn sure aren’t taking any snaps. A good team helps more than any other factor. And if Baker Mayfield is ever considered a superstar it”ll be because of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. This team is gonna be really good soon. Sooner than most here think.
October 31st, 2024 at 1:31 am
He’s basically throwing the ball like 39 year old Drew Brees. Great underneath but limited beyond 10 yards. I wonder if he’s got a back injury impacting him because his accuracy, down the field, seems worse this season than last.
October 31st, 2024 at 1:54 am
Hey Rod Munch didn’t Evans lead the NFL in TD passes last year and was leading this year until getting hurt? Mike Evans must be the greatest dink and dunk wide receiver of all time.
October 31st, 2024 at 4:24 am
IMO I think the last few games regarding the INT’S, Baker is feeling like he has to win the game because the defense is Swiss Cheese allowing way to many points. Is Baker in the top 5 big questionmark there top 10 ten Absolutely he has proven that. Let’s see if he can bring the offense together amidst the injuries to our receivers. That along will determine if he makes in to the top 5 this year. That’s what superstars do in the face of adversity they come through bigger and better. As a life long Bucs fan I am feeling like Baker can bring it home. LFG
October 31st, 2024 at 4:35 am
The O line hasn’t yet jelled in their pass blocking, creating the need to get the ballout quicker. It also the reason White is in the game more IMO , because he picks up blitzes well and buys Baker more time and keeps him upright to try and make a play.
October 31st, 2024 at 5:03 am
6 picks in 3 games.
No, he is a decent quarterback.
Superstars find ways to win regardless of the talent available and rise above situations and elevate their team as well.
October 31st, 2024 at 5:15 am
If Baker would have been a little more patient, and not forced the ball in the Red Zone, that would have been 2 less picks. He started out hot again in the first half last week. But He needs to stay patient and not be forcing the ball like he did last Sunday.
Bake has to play almost perfect games for the Bucs to be competitive and win, with the 2024 version of sorry defense the offense has to drag around. If Baker stayed patient last week, it would have most likely been a win by the Bucs.
October 31st, 2024 at 5:33 am
It is definitely a “Pretty Special Season” for Baker.
The Bucs have had injuries, a new OC, Shaq retiring, new rookies, no edge rusher, and refs either making ridiculous calls on us or blatantly missing major calls on other teams. Many QBs are having interceptions and sacks too. With all that against us, Baker keeps pushing through!
October 31st, 2024 at 5:37 am
Painting Baker Mayfield as a ‘Superstar’ is silly. He’s matured with age AND is having a very good year playing within a system that fits him. To truly be effective, Baker has shown that he NEEDS decent protection, strong receivers AND a solid running game. The Bucs’ offense has provided that and Baker has responded.
Baker’s doing extremely well using the short passing game, completing roughly 75% of his passes. His deep passing is not a strength IMO, and he’s completing around 38% of his passes there. His INTs (9) have become a significant concern lately IMO … 7 INTs in the last 3 games … and have been a definite consideration in our recent losses … 2 losses in the last 3 games. To date, Evans (3 INTs) & McMillian (3) have been the primary targets in those INTs. And in our last 2 games, both losses, Baker’s been intercepted 4 times … 3 of those on deep throws. Not a good look.
October 31st, 2024 at 5:59 am
About Baker…
Look, I’m good with Baker, there are 31 other teams in the NFL, and there’s only a handful of QBs that are worth the ridiculous contracts these QBs are getting paid, and as this site has pointed out more than enough times, Baker is a great deal. But Baker isn’t taking us to a Super Bowl.
I’m just tired of the apologists. We blame EVERYONE but Baker. It was only 1 int, one bad throw, Coen’s poor play calling, etc, etc. Whatever. As JBF obsessed over Bowles not calling the timeout after the Baker int during the Lions playoff game, it was Baker who had the “realistic” chance of getting the team even with the Lions, and yet with just under 2 min, 1-timeout, with a clean pocket, he made one bad horrible decision that was too easy for the Lions to pick off, yet apologists will tell you that was one bad throw, we can’t fault him for the whole game with one bad throw, defense played bad the whole game. Ok, what I will say is when the def needed to get a stop with the game close, they did, both against the Lions in that playoff game, and in that first Atlanta game. They put the ball in Bakers hands and the offense, and he either couldn’t tie the football game against the Lions or salt the game away against the Falcons. For those that think some fans like me are too hard on 1 poor decision or play, well…WELCOME TO FOOTBALL FANS. 2018, AFC championship game, with 90 secs left in the game, Brady throws a pick which ultimately would have ended the game yet Dee Ford on the opposite side of the field was called offsides, negating the int, Patriots would end up winning in OT, sending them to the Super Bowl where they won their 6th Super Bowl. That 1 stupid penalty, 1 poor decision most likely cost Mahomes and the Chiefs their first Super Bowl ring. Every little bit counts in the game of football. If you’re ok not criticizing game altering bad moment(s) that either swings momentum or ends your chances of winning the game, then don’t expect deep runs in the playoffs and certainly another trip to a Super Bowl with Baker and this team, because it just isn’t going to happen.
October 31st, 2024 at 6:40 am
what makes a qb a super star:
late game comebacks that end with a win
playoff wins
no or few ints
Dungy used to chain up Dilfer so he would not throw picks and
Trent became a good qb
they need to chain up Baker, dont throw unless no one is near the guy by 10ft
his INTs are killing us!!!! and now his WR’s suck esp 15 and Ryan Miller, no way he should let the ATL defender take that flea flicker
October 31st, 2024 at 6:53 am
Can’t be a superstar throwing INTs in the Red Zone (or Red Area as Brady says).
October 31st, 2024 at 6:54 am
It’s Mayfield’s fault.
October 31st, 2024 at 7:04 am
Now that everyone thinks baker sucks again He will thrive. Mahomes is having a terrible year. If Bucs defense can play better the Bucs will win Monday.
October 31st, 2024 at 7:44 am
He has as many INTs as Mahomes, is Mahomes not a superstar ?
October 31st, 2024 at 7:56 am
Zoocomics- you are positive Baker is not getting us to the Super Bowl. Ever! Please tell the rest of the team and management this. Quick! Talk about a bunch of idiots. Please hurry and tell them that it’s guaranteed because Zoocomics said so.
October 31st, 2024 at 7:57 am
Super star never star maybe. The only thing super star about him is his sack avoidance .When he can hit open routes accurately 15 yards and deeper and the middle of the field from the pocket then he could be. Star qbs don’t always have to rely on receivers getting yac in order to hit home run plays
October 31st, 2024 at 8:23 am
He will tie J-Winston interception record if he continues at his last three game rate. 7 picks in the last three games. Season total of NINE. 9 games left 3×7 =21. 21 plus 9 = 30 for the season. Look at the positive…we got him cheap.
October 31st, 2024 at 8:46 am
Fish hawkbuc. You can add. And multiply! I bet Mayfield doesn’t care that you say we got him cheap. You and all of us have seen players sign big contracts and soon they lose focus. It doesn’t matter if he’s making 3 million or 30 million-you can count on Baker being the same Baker. The Baker who SI said was the best college QB of the 21st century. Finally found a functioning organization and now 2 years of being arguably the best QB in the NFL. The numbers speak for themselves. So maybe Fishhawkbuc you aren’t as good with numbers as you think you are.
October 31st, 2024 at 9:03 am
So many miserable fans. We could easily be 6-2 or better and Baker is balling. Couple of bad breaks with a tough schedule to start the year. I still think we end up with 10 wins. Defense needs to find itself again but complaining about Baker or this offense is silly. They are the reason we’re still alive
October 31st, 2024 at 9:17 am
Attention all Baker haters… keep underestimating him because it’s hilarious.
October 31st, 2024 at 9:22 am
Quit throwing int. Baker…..love ya! Not yet
October 31st, 2024 at 9:42 am
Mayfield reminds me a lot of Brett Favre. Farve was also streaky, especially with ints, but the guy could flat-out ball. And had balls.
October 31st, 2024 at 10:19 am
He’s playing quite well overall… but over the last 3 games he has 9 TDs to 7 INTs.
That has to change. And fast.
A couple weeks ago I would have said he’s an MVP candidate, but not if the INTs keep coming at these recent levels.
October 31st, 2024 at 11:04 am
He’s deff a star that can lead a team. My biggest knock on baker is the throwing into double and triple coverage at times and the several terrible ints. Against the AINTS he had 1 or 2 terrible picks but we still won because they are trash. Can’t turn the ball over against good teams and stil expect to win with the way our defense is playing. Totally diff story if the defense wasn’t so trash.
October 31st, 2024 at 11:12 am
Dude is highly overrated. Garbage time stats pad his TDs and total yards. QBR tells more of the truth and even that is inflated due to his 4th quarter production that’s skewed with us often down multiple scores.
October 31st, 2024 at 11:34 am
Baker gets in trouble when he starts pressing, and that’s usually when we’re behind or our lead is being threatened. Easy solution: get ahead & stay ahead. Look at our last 3 games (7 INTs):
o Saints game (win): Bucs were ahead 17-0 then quickly allowed a FG & a punt return in the 2nd qtr. The lead was threatened. Baker responded by throwing 3 INTs in 1 qtr … all short & to 3 different receivers (Evans, McMillan & Otton). Bucs fell behind 27-24 at the half, but came back strong to win 51-27.
o Ravens game (loss): Bucs were ahead 10-0 after the 1st qtr, but then the bottom fell out in the 2nd qtr again with Baker throwing 2 INTs in that qtr … 1 short to McMillan & 1 deep to Godwin. Bucs defense also fell apart & gave up 34 points in the 2nd & 3rd qtrs. Baker brought the offense back in the 4th qtr with 3 TDs, but we lost 41-31.
o Falcons game (loss): Bucs were ahead 14-7 early in the 2nd qtr, but fell behind 24-17 at the half thanks to shoddy defense. Baker had a bad 3rd qtr with 2 INTs … 2 deep passes were intercepted (1 to Miller & 1 to McMillan).
One bad qtr in each of those games negatively impacted the outcome. Looks to be from pressing to hard.
October 31st, 2024 at 12:46 pm
You can tell a great completion is coming when baker plants that back foot with authority. He’s seeing separation, or he’s confident his anticipatory throws will be successful. No Chris or Mike means that micro second of trust hasn’t been established yet with this group, save Otton. Cade is going to be a top 5 te this year, with ten or more touchdowns. I expect Durham to begin to see more action, giving otton a breather. More check downs to the tight end position, ala Kelce. More qb designed runs as well. With McMillan quitting on routes, and miller not physical enough, Jarret becomes the current number 1. This baker boi knows baker is ten caliber. Just hoping 5-5 at bye…
October 31st, 2024 at 2:23 pm
It’s remarkable how people just ignore what is being said to make their own narrative. In my comment above I literally say I think Baker is playing well, yet the Baker Boi(s) claim I’m saying he stinks – that’s why they’re mental lightweights.
In any case, the entire point was to say Baker is not good at one area of the game, so just don’t use him in that capacity. Just like you’re not using Tom Brady in an RPO offense.
Baker is bad at throwing downfield, no one that watched him the last 2 years can think otherwise (well the Baker Boi(s) will say he’s a HOFer when it comes to throwing downfield, but I’m talking to sane people), so just don’t have him do that. The offense is moving the ball really well, the run game is working, so just do what you do well, at least until Mike is back.
With all that said, KC has an excellent defense, and this game could be a struggle. Hopefully Coen is ready for it, and Baker can continue to make plays – at least in the short game offense.
October 31st, 2024 at 3:26 pm
I agree with Weebs10, the Bucs have a great shot to win 10-11 games, and I think that gets them in the playoffs. I disagree that Baker cannot throw the deep ball accurately. Stats don’t tell every story correctly. It does take more protection for good deep ball completion rate, something everyone will agree, this is not a strong point for this o-line. Hench the higher interception rate. All the current receivers can catch the ball, there is just differences in route running from Godwin and Evans. You have to explode out of a cut and use your body to shield the DB from the ball. If the throw looks like you won’t have a good shot, decelerate, stick your arms out and let the DB run over you. Flag every time. Experience will help this.
October 31st, 2024 at 3:30 pm
I assure you; Mayfield does not care about being considered a superstar. He just wants to win. That validates everything regardless of the opinions of others.
October 31st, 2024 at 4:39 pm
Majority of his picks are coming when they’ve been down and the defense can’t stop the opposing teams offense. So he try’s to feed the ball in places and situations he shouldn’t, if it’s tie or they are ahead baker looks a lot better
October 31st, 2024 at 7:56 pm
Since people are saying Baker throws ints because he feels the pressure of being down then what good is he? It’s obvious with this defense he’ll be playing from behind and if he feels the pressure instead of applying it he’ll be throwing a lot of interceptions the rest of the season.
November 1st, 2024 at 1:48 am
Baker is beating Mahomes in every metric the NFL uses to determine how good a quarterback can pass that ball. It’s called the quarterback passer rating. End of story
November 1st, 2024 at 1:51 am
I doubt they will be firing Baker anytime soon Rodney munch😂
November 1st, 2024 at 2:09 am
Just for the record, the NFL doesn’t use either of ESPN’s QBR’s when judging quarterbacks. They consider them too subjective. When the NFL wants to judge a quarterbacks talent they use the quarterback passer rating and have done so since 1973.
November 1st, 2024 at 2:30 am
Bigbucs99 is Baker still the faker? Last season you said it was laughable to compare faker Baker to Mahomes. Is it still laughable? Because I’m thinking the laugh is on you. Bakers passer rating, you know, that metric the NFL uses to evaluate quarterbacks talent is 104.9 while Mahomes’ is 84.9. That’s quite a difference there huh-20%. And don’t worry, Baker the faker will only get better even though you don’t want him to. And if he ever gets a line that’s ranked in the top 5 like Mahomes line is instead of the current Bucs line ranking of 19 he will be a surgeon with that ball, a surgeon and Tampa will have their Superbowl. 😆
November 1st, 2024 at 3:05 am
When Baker learns to control that urge he has to make that impossible throw into that tight window, his numbers will increase even more, no matter what rod and 99 say, they can’t stop him😆 I’m sure it’s tempting when you can throw that ball a record 62 mph and the record for the longest throw in a game. It’s got to be tough having the strongest arm in the NFL out of all those great quarterbacks in the past🤨 And they said he didn’t have an NFL arm. He has to learn to control that urge and he will. When he does that, the Bucs will really take off. There is a reason HE was voted the best college quarterback in the 21st century and somebody else wasn’t. It is going to be something to see boys.