Ryan Leaf On Baker Mayfield And The Bucs
October 14th, 2023
Predicted success.
Usually at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, Joe brings words on the state of the Bucs from former Tampa Bay guard and popular local sports radio personality Ian Beckles. For reasons Joe cannot figure out, this irks some folks.
Why? Joe can’t figure it out.
Beckles played the game for years; Joe hasn’t. But, it seems some people would rather hear Bucs talk from John Hannah instead (if Hannah has an entertaining and insightful Bucs podcast somewhere, please let Joe know how to find it).
So, for the loud minority that doesn’t want to hear Bucs talk from Beckles because he wasn’t a big enough figure, Joe will bring you Bucs chatter and insight from another former Bucs player who has a much bigger household name. That would be former Bucs QB Ryan Leaf.
(Yes, Leaf was a Chucky quarterback in training camp one year and beat the Cowboys in the worthless preseason).
Leaf appeared earlier this week on “Good Morning Football,” seen weekday mornings on NFL Network. There, he talked about the Lions-Bucs game.
Naturally, Leaf is fired up for Baker Mayfield.
“This is exciting,” Leaf said. “I was talking to you guys about who was going to be the starting quarterback in Tampa before the season started and I was all in on Baker Mayfield because of what went down last year and the stuff he got to do with Sean McVay.”
Leaf added that Mayfield played “special” for McVay and the Rams last season.
Last week in one of his many media appearances, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht mentioned one reason Mayfield chose the Bucs is because Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales runs a form of McVay’s offense.
Leaf is looking forward to this game but leans to the Lions. Why? He said Detroit is just like Philadelphia and the Eagles smacked around the Bucs two weeks ago.
While Leaf thinks this game will be close, he believes the Lions will attack the Bucs exactly the same way the Eagles did.
As for the co-hosts of “Good Morning Football,” all wearing Bucs creamsicle jerseys, cool. But…
Hey, can someone at One Buc Palace get fetching Colleen Wolfe a No. 20 Bucs creamsicle jersey? Philly girl that she is, she just loves her some Rondé Barber.
The only matchup this week between two first place teams 🥇?
Lions @ Buccaneers. @RyanDLeaf discusses pic.twitter.com/wKT78SFvEM— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) October 12, 2023
October 14th, 2023 at 8:10 am
Beckles catches grief here because his take on all things Buc is usually a negative one
October 14th, 2023 at 8:15 am
Joe the dude is an ex player that does not make him a good dude. I have more than one major beef with your friend. I will respectfully just say that he is just another headline hunter ex player.
Go Bucs!
October 14th, 2023 at 8:25 am
As for Leaf I think he is spot on with his comments. The Lions are a physical team but I think they are a bit banged up right now, and I’m not sure they have the same level of guys up front as the Fleagles.
Much repsect for Leaf and his battles off the field. I have had some of those battles myself…It aint easy.
Go Bucs!
October 14th, 2023 at 8:29 am
While he praised Mayfield, Leaf pointed out that it will actually come down to the Bucs D.
I agree! Mayfield is not a savior. He is a competent talented NFL QB ala Brad Johnson although obviously different style. Mayfield can win like Brad if he has a stud D to help out.
This is the first game the entire D will be on the field in a long time…since the 11 snaps Calijah took on opening day. And it’s not just Kancey’s return, hopefully Vita’s pec has healed and DW45 is finally healthy as are the two CB’s.
What are the odds that both the Bucs CB’s finish the game? The good news is that with McCollum and Izien’s emergence it’s not as essential.
DW45 and Calijah and Vea are the real critical pieces to slowing the Lions physical offense.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:38 am
Against the Eagles we were down several defensive starters. I think we beat the lions tomorrow and we see our offense continue to come together.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:41 am
I listen to Beckles alot since the 2000s since Ron & Ian Show. His political opinions during “summer of love” in 2020 and much of what he said after that turned me off from him. I don’t like Politics mixed with my sports.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:42 am
That and beckles was on the same amount of winning teams as McSoftie
October 14th, 2023 at 8:47 am
The Bucs should be sky high confidence wise. Everybody acts like the Lions are unbeatable. We can beat this team and it’ll be our best chance to do so with everybody back and we’ll rested.
Win this game.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:54 am
Yea luckily the eagles didn’t have to face Kancey, I’d like to think he’ll have a bigger impact than Mike green. I think he’s going to wreck their pass game
October 14th, 2023 at 9:07 am
The Lions will look to run the ball and the Bucs must be able to stop the run. This will be a physical game. If the Bucs defense can contain the Lions run game, they will win. If not the Bucs will lose a close one.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:18 am
I tend to agree with many of Ian’s observations. Please keep the summaries coming as I don’t get a chance to listen to him.
As for the Eagles & Lions comparison, it’s important to note Goff isn’t the same threat to run as Hurts. Just the threat of Hurts running had the Bucs D flat footed all night. It will be a different story tomorrow.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:23 am
It drives me crazy when the NFL media talks about physical teams and never includes the Bucs. What are they smoking? Now that the D starters are finally back and rested I think that they more than match up physically with ANY team. I think our defense will make Goff’s day a nightmare Sunday. As far as Baker goes, he’s not a competent QB, he’s a VERY GOOD QB who’s finally coming into his own and will continue to get better if our running game improves. Finally, EVERY QB is a game manager and rarely can a QB carry a team on his back week in and week out. They all need quality pieces around them, for example, how great does even Mahomes look without Kelce?
October 14th, 2023 at 9:25 am
That video of the Bucs team running off the field and heading indoors cos of the monsoon spoke quite a bit. The players were dancing, jumping, smiling, excited, and enthusiastic. They bring that spirit to the ballgame tomorrow, they will win. Cardiac Bucs by a close one! Go Tampa Bay!
October 14th, 2023 at 9:30 am
While I don’t always agree with Ian Beckles I do like to read when JOE shares the content. If Beckles bothers some just skip it. Sort of like skipping some of the miserable posters herein.
Keep it coming JOE!!
October 14th, 2023 at 9:39 am
I for one would much rather read Beckles takes than ryanleaf.
Beckles is spot-on 80% of the time and he’s real, not syrupy sissy take.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:51 am
Personally I’m thinking the Bucs are starting to find their stride. A good understanding of intensity and players to match. Also the lawn chair secondary tossed out that scheme. So I’m liking what I’m seeing, and I’m buying what the Bucs are selling! We got this.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:53 am
Bucs’ D is healthy(ier) and Detroit hasn’t seen the level of speed on an opponents’ D that the Bucs have. A little reminiscent of when Bowles had 2 weeks to prepare for Chiefs in SB.
Mayfield and Bucs’ offense must remain patient and avoid turnovers.
If the Bucs can avoid turnovers, they should win a close, low scoring game .
October 14th, 2023 at 9:56 am
I wonder what JaMarcus Russels take is on Bakers Performace. Maybe a podcast with Russell, Akiki Smith and Tod Marinovich breaking down what baker does well, things he needs to work on…as well as passing on any advice to Baker on what it takes to be a top tier qb.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:57 am
Who cares if Ian Beckles triggers this super sensitive fan base? Same ones that are offended by Joes use of “Americas Quarterback.” I like his content as I’m sure lots do too.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:59 am
Baker plays well against the Lions. Should easily beat them much to most everyone’s surprise. IE: John Elway made his rookie start against The Browns. Beat em. ( Maybe one of his earliest starts… ) Every time he saw those orange helmets, he destroyed em. Sometimes someone has your number. Sometimes someone just has your color. Baker excels when he sees Detroit Blue. The Bucs will be the last winner on my 3 teamer. Chiefs- 10.5 49r’s – 8.5 And Baker & the Bucs !!!!!!!!!! Danny Baker Buc Esq
October 14th, 2023 at 10:17 am
That says more about Bobby than Ian. His stance in the summer of 2020 was pretty uncontroversial until people tried to equivocate it 1/6. It’s a ridiculous take and a typical whataboutism coming from that side.
October 14th, 2023 at 10:19 am
Listen. Sooners beat Texas, then a bye. Bucs beat Taints, then a bye. Opposite weeks. Baker has calmed down. not trying to win every game, on every pass. In his happy space via ou . Now you have a dude, that shut down the outside noise. Is, actually carrying the offense( no run game, escapitlity,passes) and has support. tampa 35, lions 6.
October 14th, 2023 at 10:23 am
think. pittsburgh. in 20, couldnt stop baker. defense holds strong, offense will be fine. no doubt
October 14th, 2023 at 10:26 am
Lions fan here. This will be a great test for the Lions. I agree we haven’t faced a defense like this yet. A fast defense with talent at all 3 levels.
I think the run game (both ways) and turnovers will be the difference.
I am fully expecting Lions fans to take over Raymond James. This is a new phenomenon for us, to have a big contingent that travels. We took over Lambeau a few weeks ago (the franchise had to send out a press release because the fans were incensed) and represented really well in KC at the opener.
I have always had a soft spot for Baker. He reminds me of Goff. A first-round pick QB rebooting their career. I also have a man crush on Canales.
Should be a great one.
October 14th, 2023 at 10:27 am
Beckles tells the truth based on how he sees it. He played and started in the NFL for many years. I tend to trust his viewpoint. Because he delivers it like a punch doesn’t discount it’s validity.
October 14th, 2023 at 10:47 am
The irony is, if memory serves me correctly, the last Beckles take was one of his most positive ones. I enjoy hearing him talk about the Bucs and take none of it as gospel.
October 14th, 2023 at 11:00 am
Biggest 2 game stretch of the season. Knock off the lions tomorrow and handle the falcons the following week and the sky is the limit.
Imagine them pulling this off then going into Buffalo 5-1 on Thursday night.
That’s what I’m talking about.
GO BUCS
October 14th, 2023 at 11:00 am
The number of NFL busts who wind up in the sports media talking like they know something is hysterical. Orlovsky is on ESPN. Ryan Leaf was one of the worst busts in NFL history and head case to boot yet he pontificates.
At least they played (most of the know it alls never set foot on even a high school field) but it is pretty funny.
October 14th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
I just stick with the print here Joe gives us weekly which is pretty darn good. I’m not a fan of Beckles or Leaf. Everybody’s got an opinion. I think we beat these Lions come tomorrow. As a lot of unheralded guys step up.
October 14th, 2023 at 12:30 pm
I have no idea what happens tomorrow.
IF Detroit is truly Philly Lite, the Bucs could get hammered. The Bucs are fast and intense but not bad-a$$ physical on defense.
Much depends on the questionable Bucs offense. If they break out, it could be a fun afternoon.
October 14th, 2023 at 2:19 pm
That jersey was meant for Erdhal who wasn’t there that day. She requested the Rashaad jersey.
October 14th, 2023 at 6:07 pm
Beckles irks people because he tells the truth. If people want rah-rah articles and opinions they should read the Buccaneers official website.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:18 pm
I actually use to like Ian Beckles…but then he started getting more and more racial and I got sick of it. In my opinion, he’s as bad as the people he makes accusations toward.
I’m excited to watch the game tomorrow. Real competition to put our QB to the test. And I will be watching every mistake he makes.
He doesn’t have to be perfect in every aspect of his game…but he better not self destruct or cause us to lose.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:20 pm
D-Rome Says “Beckles irks people because he tells the truth.”
As he see’s it. And maybe THAT’S THE PROBLEM…because he has a very narrow view of people.
October 14th, 2023 at 8:23 pm
Cobraboy Says:
“I have no idea what happens tomorrow.
IF Detroit is truly Philly Lite, the Bucs could get hammered. The Bucs are fast and intense but not bad-a$$ physical on defense.
Much depends on the questionable Bucs offense. If they break out, it could be a fun afternoon.”
The offensive line is going to get tested right along with our QB. If the OL truly is getting in sync, then it’s going to be interesting.
Of course, if the Lions come hard after Mayfield, there isn’t much the OL can do about it unless they suddenly become elite.
I’ll be watching to see what Baker does when it’s all on him.
October 14th, 2023 at 10:34 pm
I am SO upset they flexed the game and threw the Jets game on nationally. Seems like people in Michigan and Florida are the only ones who can watch the orange and white unless they have a bunch of money to throw at the TV. That relegates me to the radio, and I am SO TEED OFF! SIGH!