Todd Bowles Outlines Baker Mayfield Inconsistency
December 12th, 2023
Joe is a Baker Mayfield fan. What’s not to like? But his play has not been sharp overall through the past four games.
Sorry, Baker fans. That’s reality. The eye test and the numbers don’t look like they did earlier in the season. And consider the Bucs have run the ball solidly in two of the past three games.
Regardless, the Bucs have a two-game winning streak and Mayfield has had plenty of good moments. Heck, he might be a top-13 or top-14 starter in the league. Certainly he’s the best QB in the NFC South.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network today, head coach Todd Bowles sort of inadvertently pointed to a flaw in Mayfield’s game.
“I think he plays better under pressure than he does on just normal downs,” Bowles said. “Because he’s even more focused, even more locked in and the guys rally behind him. And he makes some great throws, and he made some great throws to help us win this game.”
Time for Mayfield to lock in from the opening whistle.
Joe remembers a great interview with Peyton Manning years ago when he was asked about all his fourth-quarter comebacks. Manning waved off the love and quickly said fourth-quarter comebacks usually mean you weren’t good enough in the first three quarters.
And that’s been Mayfield for a while.
For the Bucs to lock down a winning record this season, Mayfield is going to have to pitch a couple of complete games.
December 12th, 2023 at 9:06 pm
Bucs have ran well the last two games?!? I could have swore I saw RW run into a wall at the line of scrimmage on first down about 7 series in a row last week until we finally started to run outside the tackles in the second half. And guess what…the passing game opened up.
December 12th, 2023 at 9:07 pm
Good luck with that. He is what he is, a .500 QB. Let’s see how he finishes.
December 12th, 2023 at 9:13 pm
As Baker fan I have him at 12 so we are not far off. Theres an illusion that in order to be fan of a Qb he has to be top 5. Nope.
Theres one thng that both the media such as yourslf and Bowles misses. the team plays more uptempo when behind. I’d love to see Baker in a hurry up offense before we are behind. We are always hearing about how Smart Baker is . Smart Qbs have been killers in a hurry up offense all the way back to the days of Bernie Kosar.
Use your assets . If he is soo smart then let him use it.
December 12th, 2023 at 9:26 pm
“And consider the Bucs have run the ball solidly in two of the past three games.”
Theres nothing to consider there. You dont get the full effect a running game has on the passing offense until you develop a REPUTATION for runnning the ball over multiple games. Thats when Dcs have to game plan for it. breaking a 30 yarder to pad the stats isn’t going to make a DC change his overall game plan drastically. We should see the effect if it keeps up another game or two.
As for Manning’s quote. Great Qb but wong on that . Seen too many NFL games for too many years to relegate all great come backs as a defiency of the three quarters . many tmes its just a result of great matchups during the game
December 12th, 2023 at 9:35 pm
Mayfield should look and play better than he has. Just look who he’s throwing to. He’s had ample time back there too. We are below . 500. He is below .500. The bucs need more at QB.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:04 pm
When Baker gets in a “rhythm” throwing the ball, like in hurry-up, he is quite effective. Tony is correct. Ian Beckles said it this week, all Bucs games flow the same. When it was 19-10 into the third qtr, We played protect-ball. No aggressive tempo, did we throw on first down then? I get bleeding the clock, but in the third qtr? I watched Dallas keep pouring it on Philly.. scheming the tight end (Ferguson) open a great deal. Those continued 3 and outs were paid for as the defense, tired, almost pulled a Houston. I remember when Baker played that first night as a Ram. McVay had him slinging it. Id love to see Mayfield play under a Mcvay/Shanahan type offense.. We will see what next year in Tampa brings.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:06 pm
How about we trade for Patrick Mahomes?
2023 Mahomes 66.9% 3398yrds 23TD 11INT
2023 Mayfield 62.6% 2934yds 20TD 8INT
Mahomes is making $45Million this year. Mayfield about $6Million.
Mayfield is a .500 QB this year because the defense gave away the Houston game as well as the first Atlanta game. Mayfield is put into difficult down and distance by ineffective running plays on 1st and 2nd down. He is also gun shy about interceptions which has led to many checkdowns to backs. Some of these have been effective like last Sunday. Preseason forecasters did not give Bucs much of a chance this year. As of today they are in first place in an admittedly weak division. My guess is they win the division and end the year 9-8.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:09 pm
Mayfield has less time to throw the ball then almost every NFL QB because of the terrible line & awful forced running game. You people don’t seem to understand that.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:10 pm
Mayfield needs time to grow into the system. He hasn’t had much stability during his career. I would like to see him brought back next year and to have to compete for the starting QB role again. On the same team, with the same coach and O.C. I believe Baker and the whole offense can take things to the next level and he could be regarded as a top 10 QB next year
December 12th, 2023 at 10:10 pm
Baker Mayfield is very consistent, 2 touchdowns and 1 turnover every game because he is AVERAGE AT BEST
December 12th, 2023 at 10:16 pm
The start of the 2nd half leading by just two illustrates why it took the Bucs some time to get started in the 3Q.
Their first two starting positions were at the 7 and the 10 yard line. Atlanta got the ball first and Pinion did a good job. Again they pay the other guys too.
Atlanta simply won the battle of field position at the beginning of the 3Q!
Does anybody want Baker or even Trask or even Brady taking a chance with the ball inside their own ten? The bad snap by Hainsey almost torpedoed the entire deal, Bucs got a lucky break that Baker jumped high enough to keep it out of the end zone and White was able to fall on it.
The Falcons got the ball first and played good field position football. That means the Falcons had 3 shots at success before the Bucs even got their FIRST!!
Now I realize some here believe that Bowles plays not to lose, too conservative and I agree. But in this case I think he and Canales were correct. I think Baker is a decent QB but I do not want he or Trask to get frisky with a 2 point lead inside their own ten!
I know Trask would have dug them out of that hole.
Here’s a reality check…ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY…the Falcons have competed OK this season. Outside of the Niners which team really impresses you as unbeatable. Not the Chiefs this year. Not the Bills nor the Bengals, nor even the Eagles…The Cowboys…maybe.
It’s how the cookie crumbles in the NFL. 2-3 great teams…2-3 horrible teams with 26 teams stuck in the middle. The Bucs are stuck in the middle.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:27 pm
It all starts up front…period…ask Tom Brady. Butvitsvreal easy to dump on Bajer
December 12th, 2023 at 10:31 pm
Consistency for Baker after the first4 games:
Consistent mirage of a hot first series (which fizzles before a TD)
Consistent flat spot where he attempts to tie the 3 and out record every week.
Inconsistent fourth quarter hurry up. We are 6-7 so it has not worked every week.
If the defense didn’t get so worn out with all of those 3 and outs, maybe they could play better
The best defense is an offense that can eat clock with sustained drives. Even Jameis could sustain drives better than Baker.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:41 pm
Mayfield will finish the year in the top 8 NFL QB’s. I don’t know anyone who would consider that “average.” Keep in mind this will happen with a new OC and in his first year with a team that was projected to be toward the bottom in a division they are currently leading. Time will prove me right about this. I think there are many “fans” who don’t really understand what it takes to be a successful NFL QB. After seeing what Baker did with a totally dysfunctional Browns franchise in 2021, I am a Baker believer.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:49 pm
Should have said above “2020 Browns”, Baker led to 11-5 record. He was injured badly and tried to play in 2021 when he should have sat the entire season after being badly hurt in second game.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:50 pm
It’s honestly astonishing how the only thing that seems to appease this fan base is literally the greatest football player of all time….
First you whine and moan about Winston who had elite production but a bad turnover problem
Now we whine and moan about Mayfield who has solid production and very minimal turnovers….
I mean on now, take a look around the league, you can do a whole lot worse than Baker Mayfield and id image he’ll only improve if the OC gets out of his own way.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:55 pm
Lower completion % than Aidan O connell, Justin Fields, Ridder & newly benched Josh Dobbs. Next.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:56 pm
Let em Bake Says:
I remember when Baker played that first night as a Ram. McVay had him slinging it. Id love to see Mayfield play under a Mcvay/Shanahan type offense.. We will see what next year in Tampa brings.
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The difference is McVay is known as an offensive guru. He relishes explosive offenses and will get the credit for it. . A defensive coach relishes in defense and so wants a slower eat the clock and rest the defense system. Since Bowles is a defensive coach he won’t get credit for the offense. So its NOt his first choice to have an offense thats explosive. It overshadows his defense
Bucs aren’t even playing to Baker’s strengths. Theres little pocket movement unless its a breakdown in protecion. Those used to be baker’s staples.To his credti he has gotten a lot better being an in the pocket guy but you can’t say you are maximizing his talents that way.
and yep he is leaning on the side of caution on his throws. If he has an agent worth a dime he’s told baker – get the ints down and you are golden. He has and on a one year conract he’s right where he wants to be . Fans can cry a river but you want a QB to risk it all – give him more than a one year contract.
December 12th, 2023 at 10:56 pm
“Even Jameis could sustain drives better than Baker.“
What do you mean “even Jameis?” Jameis was WELL known for moving the ball up and down the feiild. Never many punts with Jameis, just picks.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Amazing to read these comments. Stats are for losers. He isn’t consistent. He has no touch. He locks on to receivers. He’s barely an NFL QB. If he wasn’t such a high pick, he’s right in the mix with Heineke and Josh Dobbs and all the other serviceable but not great QBs.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:10 pm
T. McGee Says:
December 12th, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Amazing to read these comments. Stats are for losers. He isn’t consistent. He has no touch. He locks on to receivers. He’s barely an NFL QB.
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Its no longer amazing to see such utter studpidity such as your post on this blog. For msot of the season baker has been ratd top 14. Only Nitwits argue out of 32 teams thats barely an NFL Qb.
Thats the issue why people can just point and laugh at you haters. You hate so much you make riidculously dumb statements undermining your credibility entirely.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:26 pm
I can’t believe a poster compared Mahomes to Baker. This is why people can’t stand Baker Bros. They are in a totally different situation. If Mahomes was on this team with Mike and Chris, we certainly wouldn’t be near the bottom in scoring. Stop the madness, people.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:39 pm
Bucs13 Says:
December 12th, 2023 at 11:26 pm
I can’t believe a poster compared Mahomes to Baker. This is why people can’t stand Baker Bros.
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Eh blow it out your ear. Traskie. I havent seen anyone sayign Baker is better than Mahomes. All they are doing is saying theres value in Baker’s stats because stats wise the numbers are comparable. Now have we seen Traskies say Kyle is the next Steve young hidden on the bench based on his 23 yards and 30% compeltion rate?
Yes Yes we have which is why the Traskie cult is so amusing.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:40 pm
Yeah, what Tony Marks said…
December 12th, 2023 at 11:42 pm
Can we please outline Todd Bowles inconsistent coaching? Absolutely no imagination on offense, every game has clock management issues,taking 3TOs into the half. Why not try some uptempo?
December 12th, 2023 at 11:55 pm
He hasn’t played well since his ankle got crunched at Indy. IF that is hampering his game he needs to heal the thing up, it’s crunch time.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:55 pm
Oh man this article really touched the bakery club. When the bucs miss the playoffs they’ll still be on this site saying baker is one of the best QBs in the league. Baker is good for a few passes a game. Thats it. Ceiling has been met for years now. Reality is often disappointing if you’re a baker nut washer.
December 12th, 2023 at 11:58 pm
I don’t have the all 22 video from the Falcons game but from what television showed most of the time our receivers were all covered. How many times were the Falcons throwing to wide open receivers? I don’t remember a Bucs receiver have more than a couple of yards seperation. Dave Canales can’t scheme some guys open? They played cover 2 practically the whole game. I am sure we have some play designs to get guys open against cover 2. On the winning drive, Baker makes a great throw over Godwins shoulder for a catch and run of about 30 yards. Then a perfect pass to Otten in the end zone for the touchdown. It seems every throw Baker had were all contested. I get that maybe Baker didn’t play great but how about getting the guy some easy throws to get him going.
December 13th, 2023 at 12:01 am
TB throwing BM under the bus ?
That takes nerve.
TB spent 3/4 of season having DC try to convert this team to a run first offense , between the tackles, with a roster built for a passing attack, and a crappy RB.
Even if run improves in final 1/4 of year it’s too little too late.
I hope TB , DC and even BM are gone next year.
December 13th, 2023 at 12:13 am
Mayfield is an average at best place holder, he suffers at inaccuracy throwing down field or anything over 10 yards. His paltry passing stats are elevated only due to the run after the catch with less than five yard dump off throws, mostly Rashad White.
December 13th, 2023 at 12:15 am
LOL some fo you are so hilarious with your reading comprehension skills
Bowles didn’t throw anybody under the bus and didn’t even state Baker was incosistent. Thats JOE’S words . ALl Bowles said was this
“I think he plays better under pressure than he does on just normal downs,” Bowles said. “Because he’s even more focused, even more locked in and the guys rally behind him. And he makes some great throws, and he made some great throws to help us win this game.”
Even more focused and even more locked in isn’t close to how Joe spun it..
December 13th, 2023 at 12:21 am
The Bucs have to have QB that threatens an opponents defense by the possibility of throwing the ball down field. That’s not Mayfield’s game and opponents know it. He’s the ultimate dink and dunk boring QB.
December 13th, 2023 at 12:23 am
Lakeland Steve Says:
I don’t remember a Bucs receiver have more than a couple of yards seperation. Dave Canales can’t scheme some guys open?
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You dont understand steve. Around these parts open means – player gets ANY separation. It doesn’t matter if the defense is in postion to close in a second or two by the time the ball would get there.
Unlike what every Qb is taught the movement of the defense doesnt matter – you pretend like everyone on the field is frozen in place and you throw the ball
.
December 13th, 2023 at 1:18 am
Mayfield inherited a team that finished 1 game under .500 last year with Tom Brady at QB. The team is currently 1 game under .500 , with essentially the same personnel around Mayfield. QB isn’t the #1 problem.
December 13th, 2023 at 1:55 am
Has this community ever dedicated more time to a future backup QB?
Oh ya, Winston.
December 13th, 2023 at 1:56 am
Tony Marks – Agree with all of your comments. Thank you for being one of the few guys on here with a football IQ . Go Bucs and go home to all the fake fans
December 13th, 2023 at 2:33 am
So its Baker Mayfields fault when he gets one pass attempt in a 3 down series because the 2 running attempts went nowhere, the team goes 3 and out. Please explain how this is Mayfield’s fault?
December 13th, 2023 at 4:02 am
Baker is Rudy. Not alot of natural talent but big cahones. I do admire that but in this day and age grit doesn’t cut it. Speed, innovative play calling and making big time plays at crucial moments are now the norm. The teams that do that will be there at the end
December 13th, 2023 at 5:01 am
What’s not to like lol? Average do what average does! He is not good!
December 13th, 2023 at 5:04 am
I just don’t understand how the people saying Baker is a good QB, justify their thinking.
I suggest we put him up for trade and see how many teams come with an offer. Then maybe we will see if he is good. I suspect this is Baker last job as a starter. If somehow he stays he next year, he will eventually be put down to back up. Whe Todd gets fired, new HC will not want Baker. Nothing against him personally, he is just not a good QB. Maybe a good motivator but not QB
December 13th, 2023 at 6:14 am
Tony marks=Wyoming Joe
Nice try.
December 13th, 2023 at 6:26 am
Some of the takes on here are absurd. First of all The Bucs line has been sitting in the middle of the pack and Baker’s pressure rate isn’t all that high. Most of the worst pressure came during a couple of games when Wirfs was hobbled and gave up some sacks. He holds the ball too long way too often. Second, he’s not a top tier QB. He’s currently 18th in QBR with really crappy QB’s behind him, in a year of really bad QB play. Comparing him to Mahommes, whose receivers have the most drops in the NFL, is also absurd. Mayfield’s ceiling is a little above average. Is nominal play is between mediocre and average. His floor is just awful. Even on that final drive that he’s getting all the love for, he went 2 of 5 on. He got bailed out with a penalty, some good runs, and a 32 yard catch and run by Godwin. Then he threw a nice fade pass to Otton for the TD. A pass that all three of the Bucs’ QBs and most QBs in the league can make.
Give me a break.
December 13th, 2023 at 6:30 am
So what are we gonna see against the Packers this wknd? I know that you know that we’re gonna get smashed. This team celebrates like they won the SB when they barely beat the Panthers. Glazers if u want fans to be remotely interested in this team next season you better do the right thing immediately after the season.
December 13th, 2023 at 7:14 am
Hey BucU, you have a crystal ball? If the Bucs win, will you vanish for a week? The problem is Canales is a green OC. Hopefully, that’s changing. I know I’m pulling for Tampa Bay. The Dolphins just got embarrassed so any thing can happen in these games.
December 13th, 2023 at 7:37 am
The defenses are cheating toward the pass, we HAVE to run the ball (successfully) to stop that crap. He certainly missed a few Sunday, but for the most part, people simply weren’t open. Watched him throw a few long ones on people who had single coverage on them, but they didn’t even have a whole step. That one to Evans on long left, Baker threw it further left, likely because his greatest concern was a pick. Evans WAS open, but he looked up too late to adjust to it, I don’t know who you blame that one on
December 13th, 2023 at 8:09 am
Lakeland Steve Says:
December 12th, 2023 at 11:58 pm
How many times were the Falcons throwing to wide open receivers? I don’t remember a Bucs receiver have more than a couple of yards seperation. Dave Canales can’t scheme some guys open? They played cover 2 practically the whole game.
Lakeland Steve hit the nail on the head.
Offense play calling reminds me of Mike Shula….
……totally predictable.
December 13th, 2023 at 8:35 am
This is factually incorrect, unless by “almost every NFL QB” you mean half of the NFL QBs. This is a measurable statistic via NextGen stats. Baker’s time to throw is middle of the pack.
December 13th, 2023 at 9:39 am
Is Mayfield serviceable for a team with no SB aspirations? Sure. I would even bring him back in 2024, under a new HC/OC, for maybe 10m.
We are not going to pich high enough to get a tier one QB prospect so use our pick on Center, CB, RB, WR.
Build the team up then draft a QB in 2025.
December 13th, 2023 at 10:28 am
He stinks. He is not .500 this year, and certainly not his career(37-45) and 11-22 his last 33 starts. He is top 14-17 because Burrow,Riders,Cosins and Now Herbert are out. He would be even lower if not for a year of qbs going down left and right.. Tied for passing yards with Lamar Jackson. Jackson has 61 LESS pass attempts. He is garbage. And you want him here WITHOUT Evans?
December 13th, 2023 at 10:51 am
Baker is mediocre nothing more nothing less
December 13th, 2023 at 11:54 am
“I know Trask would have dug them out of that hole. “…St.Pete
I believe this ridiculous comment was seriously expressed. Perfect example of the cult of Trask on this blog. Mayfield may not be “the answer”, but he is not the problem.
December 13th, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Cult of trask lmao
You guys are are the real joke not wanting to see what he can do with the starters after seeing mayfield isn’t the franchise guy
December 13th, 2023 at 2:40 pm
gotbbucs Says:
December 13th, 2023 at 6:14 am
Tony marks=Wyoming Joe
Nice try.
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poor try. swing and a miss. I split my time between Georgia and Florida
Thanks for the compliment though Wyoming Joe seems like am intelligent guy.
December 13th, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Jackckarksays plz get the facts straight he had 3 td’s this week no turnovers a field goal & a safety so u r stats r bogus
December 13th, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Conner50says we r the joke u r like a damned Democrat keep repeating it over& over then it will change trade trask to a winning team or yeah nobody wants him if they did that phone wud ring Trask Trask Trask rite away no phone calls period what’s with the franchise tag anyway those guys get traded all the time I don’t get the franchise tag that’s a bogus phrase we don’t need that we need a winning QB & his 1st yr in Tampa seems to b doing yust as good as that cheat bradythat cost us 35 million this year for not playing that is a joke
December 13th, 2023 at 3:39 pm
Conersays u sir r the joke most people on this site r here to give their opinions of how to help the players we have not the players we don’t have stop wasting our time with u r nonsense it is stupid no stupid people on this site u r now banned
December 13th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
Mrsobjective says is u r wife not spreading her cheeks cause u r canal is dried up now get some nuts jackass
December 13th, 2023 at 3:43 pm
OMG that is fuuuuny
December 13th, 2023 at 3:55 pm
Last time I checked baker does not call the plays if he did he was b slinging that ball not hand off to rb plz get with the times baker is doing what he is told to do wrf
December 13th, 2023 at 4:03 pm
there r like 12 teams rite @ 6&7 & 10 others with even way worse records this year so what u people r saying is baker sucks what about the other 20 teams they shud get rid of all the players & start over get new qb’s & where r all these guys coming from let the season & u r negativity play the season let’s see what happens Sunday so u guys can come complain how bad baker is u know I never hear anything neg bout these guys dropping way to many crucial passes for game winners I have seen Evans Godwin otton & palmer blow up baker stats this season is he perfect no but neither is anybody else
December 13th, 2023 at 8:33 pm
Im simply astounded by the people on this site. A quick run down of why this season is, on all accounts going better then we thought it would. To start the year the buc were projected to win 3-5 games with the concensus being that they would be the worst team in football and should pack up thier bags and move to the XFL. But to start the season they were actually pretty good but not great, after the 3-0 start to the season me and all the other bucs fans started to think everybody got it wrong the bucs weren’t a bottom feader instead a sleep on super team ready to take the nfl by strom shocking everyone on a triumphant crusade to an Inevitable superbowl win. But in reality this is the year where we pay the price for going ALL in on the super bowl. all the big contracts came knocking and sent us to cap space hell where this season came from with absolutely no money to spend on FA we couldn’t really get better in any way. Now here we are with a team of rookies and second rate free agents everywhere except WR. on our year to pay for the super bowl season, contending for a playoff spot ill take that any day over 3-14 and getting laughed out of the nfl
December 13th, 2023 at 9:28 pm
Baker u s
First of all your bashing Brady who came over and helped us win our second Super Bowl. I’m not gonna argue with you because you lack any intelligence whatsoever. And democrat? Lmao
December 13th, 2023 at 9:35 pm
BakerBucs, sure, Canales calls the plays, that are getting receivers open on a regular basis. Baker is the dude with the ball in his hands not throwing it to the aforementioned open receivers, or overthrowing them, or throwing it at their knees. Oh, and a lot of teams have piss poor QB play. Are we supposed to revel in the fact that ours is one of the ones in the mix of mediocrity?
December 13th, 2023 at 10:32 pm
People forget Baker outplayed mahomes in college head to head. It’s not like Baker sucks. Dude was taken #1 overall in the draft and led the BROWNS to the playoffs and within a play of BEATING the eventual SB Chiefs on their home field. Take away the weird fumble into the pylon 14 point swing play…
Baker is NOT ELITE.
Baker is NOT THE PROBLEM with the 2023 Bucs
If it takes John Elway, Dan Marino, Steve Young or Tom F’in Brady to make people think they have a good QB it’s going to be a long life waiting
December 13th, 2023 at 10:33 pm
Bakerbucs is a 10 year old in a skirt calling people names because they disagree that her daddy is great. Tonya Marks ain’t too far behind. The Fakerboi cu***olds group is getting bigger and bigger. Fakerboi and the Fakettes will be cheerleading loud and proud in their cute lil mini skirts and pop poms ranting Win Baker Win!
December 14th, 2023 at 1:07 am
DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:
December 13th, 2023 at 10:33 pm
Bakerbucs is a 10 year old in a skirt calling people names because they disagree that her daddy is great. Tonya Marks ain’t too far behind.
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Just post under your regular username objective – We all know its you. 🙂 🙂
December 14th, 2023 at 3:32 am
This is such BS….Manning…Mr int himself
I guess Brady hasn’t played good enough through alot of 3 quarters either…
And Breese and…himself 😆 hahahahahaha 😆 absolutely
Baker threw 2 TDs ran for one ..no TOs
Hey …he sucks ( sarcasm)
December 14th, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Interesting how Baker is tracking almost IDENTICAL statistically in every passing category than he did in his 2020 11-5 playoff year with the Browns. That team had Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Jarvis Laundry and a good defense lead by Myles Garrett. Baker upset the Steelers and barely lost to Mahomes lead Chiefs in the next round. Van Pelt was a first year OC. Current HC Kevin S. Was there and that’s was his first year. People may forget he FIRED Todd Monken when he took over. Baker has lead a team to the door step of a SB before but it seems like another lifetime ago and he was winning ugly. So who needs to play better? Maybe the fact is the Browns had better coaching?