NFL Defensive Coordinator On Baker Mayfield: “He Doesn’t Scare Me”
August 30th, 2024
Defensive coordinator reacts.
We know one NFL defensive coordinator doesn’t lose sleep the night before facing Baker Mayfield. What we don’t know is who that coordinator is.
This week, Joe brought word of Mike Sando’s 2024 quarterback tiers, the highly popular annual column in The Athletic. Sando uses dozens of NFL suits, coaches and scouts to come up with a tiered list of starters.
Mayfield was in Tier-3 with Tua, Trevor Lawrence, Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Derek Carr, Geno Smith and Russell Wilson.
While the exec Joe cited was a big Mayfield fan for his “moxie,” the defensive coordinator Sando spoke with doesn’t believe Mayfield’s moxie adds up to a hill of beans. This same coordinator dropped the dreaded “system quarterback” label on Mayfield.
“He can sling it,” a defensive coordinator said. “If he is coached well and he feels good, he is a good system quarterback. He can get rolling and make some plays.
“He doesn’t scare me. With some of those [quarterbacks], you are like, ’Oh, s—, I have to do something to stop them.’ I don’t feel that with Baker. He’s a guy where we can play our stuff and be fine.”
Joe thinks this is where the inconsistency gripe some folks bellyache about Mayfield for comes into play. There were games last year, like at Green Bay and hosting Philadelphia in the wild card round, in which Mayfield looked like a top-shelf quarterback.
Then, there was the slimy Saints game at home and the Carolina game to finish the regular season. Yeah, to be fair, he was hurt and probably shouldn’t have played at Carolina. But this is yet another piece of evidence that Todd Bowles simply doesn’t trust Kyle Trask.
If Mayfield can put up more games like at Green Bay and against Philadelphia in the playoffs, the Bucs won’t have a problem behind center.
Of course, a couple of reasons Mayfield had good games against playoff teams was that his offensive coordinator had a change of heart and wanted to open up the offense.
August 30th, 2024 at 7:44 am
Joe Montana was a system quarterback
August 30th, 2024 at 7:44 am
Gotta love it when they make comments anonymously
August 30th, 2024 at 7:49 am
Anonymous DC….,how brave.
August 30th, 2024 at 7:53 am
If Bowles doesn’t trust Trask then why is he on the team? Why have any players on the team that you can’t trust? The HC could hold the team back again this season. He doesn’t outcoach or out-scheme anyone.
And it’s obvious no defense fears Baker. The CB for the Lions called Baker out before the playoff game then picked him off in the game. But hey, Baker has moxie.
We’ll see soon enough what Baker and more importantly, what this team is made of. No excuses for Baker this year. He has a HOF WR, new OL, RBs and a top 20 defense. He needs to get the job done. No more rollercoaster performances.
August 30th, 2024 at 8:05 am
never heard of him
August 30th, 2024 at 8:32 am
he is a good system quarterback
Well guy what are you saying if he’s played in a different system almost his entire career? Yea be glad you were anonymous you don’t seem to know much about evaluations
August 30th, 2024 at 8:37 am
Put your name on it then
August 30th, 2024 at 8:39 am
They said the exact same thing about Ronde barber! He was a system CB. He turned out pretty well for the Bucs. A lot of times motivation and drive for excellence beats out talent that is wasted.
August 30th, 2024 at 8:41 am
probably a bucs guy that said it lol
all they have to do to defeat bake is cover ME
by the time he looks off mike, well it’s like 6 seconds, so the play is over
August 30th, 2024 at 8:43 am
Another quote to post on Baker’s locker. Doubting Baker is like plugging Thanos into the grid, it only makes him stronger.
August 30th, 2024 at 8:43 am
kinda agree with @Bee
if i remeber correctly, the saints were still within arms reach of a playoff spot…we needed that win…it wouldve been foolish to start trask, a QB who hasnt played all season with the playoffs on the line….
i could make the arguement that TB doesnt fully trust baker, which is why he wanted to beef up the o-line, add a RB and a OC that has a great run scheme…no more putting the ball in bakers hands in crunch time…TB would rather lean on the RB & O-line….
GO BUCS!!!!
as @Bee mentioned, lions DC & DBs were not scared of baker…and when it was time to make a play, baker throw a pick….
August 30th, 2024 at 8:45 am
I had little to no confidence in Baker before last season. He won me over with his leadership, decision making and accuracy. He has elite arm strength and a winning mentality. He took an enormous step last year and now he needs to take the next step to be a championship caliber NFL QB.
August 30th, 2024 at 8:46 am
look im not gonna sit here and sugar coat a thing
Baker was a journeyman QB before the Bucs took him in.
It didn’t work out in Cleveland were he was originally drafted.
Last year he was an OK quarterback. And we really didn’t have any option but to resign him.
He threw the interception that ended our season, and he got rewarded.
He had a chance to win the game. Put Brady in that situation and we beat the Lions last year
August 30th, 2024 at 9:01 am
I would put Baker in tier 2 just based on the weapons alone.; Evans, Godwin, McMillian, Palmer, White (as a receiving back), Irving and oh yea..the retooled offensive alone.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:09 am
I just when they played the Lions and Mayfield brought them down for a score, they flashed on Dan Campbell afterwards and read his lips, he said “oh shit”
I think a lot of coaches are going to be saying that this year.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:11 am
The Browns have made the playoffs 3 times this century
Last year mainly because of Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith
Mayfield led that dysfunctional franchise to 1 of their other 2 playoff appearances and actually won their only playoff victory this century.
Carolina and their silly owner were a joke the last 2 years
Licht and company have built a solid offense around him- this year should be Mayfield’s best year and will shut up the doubters
August 30th, 2024 at 9:15 am
Don’t buy int the Sando Gimmick Joe.
If I cant verify it then it did not happen. Need some real journalists please.
All the Gimmicks are just ways to keep from having to do their homework.
Go Bucs!
August 30th, 2024 at 9:16 am
A defensive coordinator that is too chicken to put his name behind what he says. Sounds like a defensive coordinator that is too weak for his own words. Feel bad for his team.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:17 am
In Russian Roulette there is only one chamber that is going to hurt you. With Mayfield there might a second bullet and chance are a little better he will kill you in one way or another.
Take away the passing lanes where he can rip line drive passes on shorter routes, keep a lid on the deep passes, and make him beat you with touch.
People want to compare him too Montana and Brees? Fine but they are wrong. Not even close. Show me some touch. Cam Newton had a Rocket for an arm but lacked touch. Newton could burn a defense bad with legs.
Throwing a Rainbow pass over the rush to the RB behind the line of scrimmage is not touch and that will be taken away now that its on last years film.. Defenses will be planning for it in his second year and that’s going to bring more QB rushes and Injury into play.
Lil B may break loose and run for a first down but he’s not going to burn you for a 60 yard Rushing TD like a Lamar or Fields. Guess you can add on Daniels to.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:27 am
This is obviously a DC who is on our schedule
August 30th, 2024 at 9:31 am
“Put Brady in that situation and we beat the Lions last year”
Which Brady? NOT the guy who played for the Bucs his final season.
Such short memories. The Bucs were driving for a TD against the Cowboys in the playoffs when Brady threw a pick in the end zone ending a chance for ANY points.
Oh btw Brady (by some fans logic) the Bucs LOST that game as well.
ONE PLAY DOES NOT MAKE A FREAKING CAREER!!!
The most disturbing part of all this Baker hate here on JBF to me is that I genuinely suspect that the majority of these (pick your own insult) so called fans are actually hoping Baker fails to make their points valid.
Where does all this HATE come from? My son is a Browns fan. He does NOT think Baker failed with the Browns. In his opinion Browns ownership AND coaching sucked and they played Baker when he was obviously hurt.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:34 am
Vinny
You’re embarrassing yourself!!!! Conspiracies and all about Trask?
#1, Mayfield refused to sit game 17 last season despite being injured because he saw what Trask can do in training camp.
Mayfield DOES NOT MAKE OUT THE STARTING LINEUP!!! Blame Bowles with an assist from Canales…unless Bowles overruled Canales.
WTF is wrong with you guys. Did Trask fluff half of the JBF board?
August 30th, 2024 at 9:36 am
Brady would have shredded the lions. you ladies are a joke
August 30th, 2024 at 9:36 am
Hey Joes, Can you do us all a favor, and just ask HC Bowels?
“But this is yet another piece of evidence that Todd Bowles simply doesn’t trust Kyle Trask.”
And not beat us to death with innuendos, half-truths, or just STOTW
(Shat Tossed On The Wall) to see what causes more responses…
Until that QUOTE from HC Bowles is given, it is just that. “Innuendos, Half-truths, and STOTW…
Baker should ask every DC he faces this season, “Do I Scare You NOW?”
We have a NFL OC’s dream in our WR room. We have a good TE group, a good RB group, and a upgraded Oline group. A OC who knows how to do his thing from the first play of the season. There will be several DC who will go in not scared of Baker and the Buccaneers Offense, and be scared at the end of the game.
GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!
August 30th, 2024 at 9:37 am
Mayfield just isn’t that great.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:44 am
Baker is solid B talent wise. A++ Leader. If you can’t see how the team rallies behind him then you are not paying attention.
August 30th, 2024 at 9:49 am
Boss
Then please explain why he didn’t beat a mediocre Cowboys team in the playoffs?
He too threw a CRITICAL INTERCEPTION. What is the difference?
TRASK TO THE FUTURE
Who is saying Mayfield is GREAT? Most are saying he’s pretty good and that he
beat out your boy Kyle for the job. So what does that make Trask?
August 30th, 2024 at 9:52 am
@Bee the pass bounced off Evans hands. It was a good throw, Mike have to catch it.
August 30th, 2024 at 10:13 am
@kgh4life
What about Baker’s last pass of last season? Who’s fault was that?
Correct me if I’m wrong but the Bucs never held the lead in either game versus the Lions right? This TEAM really wasn’t as close as many want to believe. When the 4th quarter came the Lions went up 2 scores and never looked back.
Baker and the offense need to score more TDs this year. If he’s as good as most say he is, he’ll do it. No excuses, only results!
August 30th, 2024 at 10:21 am
No name? Then I call BS.
Just some dumbass sports writer trying to get hits.
Defensive Coordinators typically arent cowards. If they wanted to say it, they)d say it.
Pu**ies run around, talking behind peoples backs
August 30th, 2024 at 10:29 am
I don’t know or care who Sando is, and I don’t believe some anonymous DC said that about Mayfield.
It’s all Bulls#!t.
August 30th, 2024 at 10:49 am
The only QB’s that make you say ’Oh, s—, I have to do something to stop them.’ are the ones that can run like Lamar or Vick. Even Mahomes because he is so elusive. A DC should never have fear of a pocket QB.
August 30th, 2024 at 10:51 am
spbf – it gets exhausting trying to explain the absurdities of The Great Trask Conspiracy, doesn’t it? Any coach playing the inferior player at QB and reducing his team’s chances of winning would be summarily fired, drawn and quartered.
But we live in a world where it’s fun to believe in great conspiracies, so there ya go.
August 30th, 2024 at 10:52 am
PS – Boss can be pretty hilarious sometimes. I disagree but admit to laughing.
August 30th, 2024 at 11:02 am
Yeah, so if that DC is not afraid of Baker why is he hiding? Why doesn’t he reveal his identity? Total coward.
August 30th, 2024 at 11:06 am
I really don’t get why there are so many sour Bucs fans. We were pegged to have a 4 win season last year and we won the division. Then there was no way we could compete with the Eagles in the first playoff game. Finally the Lions were going to destroy the Bucs wouldn’t even be a close game bet the house. It was way closer than anyone expected.
The Lions were the better team and no one argues that fact, but we were able to stay in the game. Mayfield was a huge part of keeping the Bucs competitive. He threw the pick which was on him no doubt. After watching the video again the center and left guard got bulldozed and the ball had to come out quick. Got to give credit where it is due. These guys played hard last year.
August 30th, 2024 at 11:27 am
Jarret,
“He threw the interception that ended our season, and he got rewarded.“
I remember a playoff game in 2020 where the QB threw an interception that not only ended the game, it also ended his career. The NFL is going to reward him with a HOF bust in Canton, OH, first ballot which will be next year I think. That QB is Drew Brees.
August 30th, 2024 at 11:30 am
Baker has one of the Top-5 strongest arms in the NFL.
And he won the accuracy contest at the Pro Bowl.
And he’s one of if not THE best leader in the NFL at the QB position, from a mental/emotional standpoint.
It seems to reason, to my logical mind, that it’s just a matter of time before he leads a team to a Superbowl title and possibly multiple titles, once he’s in the right situation with the right supporting cast.
And our Bucs organization/ team seem to be the right place for him at the right time.
So, my deduction is that we will win the Superbowl with Baker at QB. And I think the 1st one will be this season.
So, that is my official prediction for the season. Superbowl title.
LFB
August 30th, 2024 at 11:32 am
This interview is posted all over the internet. This coordinator is being called out by thousands of people. Soft AF! It’s awesome.
August 30th, 2024 at 11:40 am
After the first 17 games we can come back here and have a very rational discussion. Hopefully all the talking heads will have been choking on their all world predictions.
August 30th, 2024 at 11:47 am
St.pete,
I’m calling bs on both of your comments. Baker stayed in because he was desperate to keep Trask from shining. And Guarantee a job and contract for his future. He waw Desperate for Trask Not to get out there. No other reason. And I’m not a huge Trask fan. I’m a Buc fan.
Secondly, MOST stated Baker was losing the competition (as far as Talent). It’s ALL there n black and white. Sorry but you’re dreaming. Where Baker was winning is in the “leadership department”. NOT talent. And it was drug into the light that the whole “competition” was a SHAM… OK.
You don’t have to take anybodies word for it. You can just go back and read INCLUDING Jason Licht’s statements.on the matter. You and others constantly trying to rewrite history is hilarious. It STILL STINKS of being desperate. WHY BOTHER?
Baker IS and WAS the BEST option in the end because of his ability to lead and inspire men. I and I think most are willing to give up a little pure ability in order to inspire to GREATNESS.
Idk where Kyle stands now concerning his leadership abilities but it won’t matter. Too little too late. So why STILL so scared to mention our back up qb (and give him his due) whom ISN’T what most of us want leading this team anyways?
Why not be grateful that the BUCS might have a serviceable backup?
All of you got to quit with the desperate hand ringing. In case you missed it the people that his agent paid have DISAPPEARED off this site…. it’s over man! You can give it a rest now…
August 30th, 2024 at 12:30 pm
“He doesn’t scare me.”
If Baker doesn’t choke at the end of the Lions game, then things would be different. But no one is scared of a middling QB who collapses in the biggest moments.
August 30th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
I agree with StPete about how Mayfield history is viewed. His time with the Browns was marred by ownership, poor coaching and playing through injury. A guy who can’t win big games doesn’t take the Browns back to the playoffs and get a win for the first time in 30 years. Yeah he had a great D and great RB but the team sinks if they don’t believe in their signal caller.
His last year, his shoulder was hooped. Clear as day, playing injured and he suffered because of it. I hope they don’t let him play through injury this season if it’s gonna limit him like Carolina last season.
August 30th, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Lousy article. Psychological ploy by another coach that means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. The Bucs look much improved, to these eyes. They are jelling together as a team and an entire organization. Other cities wish to God they had this much going on. We’re going to be contenders for years on end. Baker is an excellent QB on the rise. He has HIS TEAM. GO BUCS!!!
August 30th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Can you Baker Boi(s) get some new material. Last year he was overall middling and choked in the biggest moment of his career – which came after him choking in the last two games of the season when the Bucs needed a win and having his two worst games of the year. Then, over the previous two years, he was literally the worst QB in football over that span.
The guy could have changed his entire perception had he not collapsed in the biggest moment of his career. He’s not clutch, he’s not someone you can rely on in big moments. He’s a middling NFL QB with a middling contract to prove it.
If the Bucs win it will be because of the defense. All Baker has to do is not screw it up, to be the Trent Dilfer of today.
August 30th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Erik w/ UniqueModernArt.com Says:
August 30th, 2024 at 11:30 am
Baker has one of the Top-5 strongest arms in the NFL.
And he won the accuracy contest at the Pro Bowl.
Yes when Lil B can throw it on a line he does well and that was pretty much the Pro Bowl Accuracny Challenge. When he has to throw with touch he’s not that great.
Don’t confuse Accurancy with Completion Percentage., When it comes to Ball Placement he’s definayely not close to Top 10 regardless of who ranks them.
Here is the ranking by a QB 8 years retired who scored even higher than Mayfield in that same Pro Bowl Accuracy Challenge dressed in a long sleeve shirt, dress pants, and very little warm up.
Dan Orlovsky QB ball placement rankings
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
2. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
4. Matthew Stafford, Rams
5. C.J. Stroud, Texans
6. Brock Purdy, 49ers
7. Geno Smith, Seahawks
8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
9. Jared Goff, Lions
10. Josh Allen, Bills
August 30th, 2024 at 1:06 pm
Sounds fair. He’s been slightly above average but in no way dominant.
August 30th, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Joebucssuck.com… where everyone comes to trash the bucs.
August 30th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
Stpetebucfan,
Haha a lot of Bucs fans are delusional and think he’s great.
As for Trask, he didn’t beat out Trask. They were going with Mayfield no matter what, that’s obvious. That’s the promise Licht & Bowles most likely made to Mayfield and his agent, that they’d give him a 1 year prove it deal and a year to play to see what he can do. Trask was never going to start no matter how well he played – many say Trask did outplay Mayfield in camp last year, but Bowles wanted to go with a veteran since his job was on the line.
August 30th, 2024 at 1:42 pm
I wonder what Mahomes was learning when he was standing on the sidelines with the clipboard his first year. The system, maybe?
August 30th, 2024 at 1:44 pm
The statement is 100% accurate… from whoever the hell it is.
Does Baker really scare any of you guys if was on the opposing team? Even with the weapons he has to throw to, he just doesn’t scare me. What cross-dimensional time-warp that I wake up in where Baker is a scary QB to face? He’s a pocket QB that’s undersized and has no speed.
In fairness to Baker, there’s only a few QBs that scare me, but that’s mainly due to how well they face our scheme, and dissect Bowles Blitz packages, since once again, we cannot pressure consistently with our current 4-man front. Then I’d argue it’s more so the offensive scheme that scares me than the actual QB. We have no answers for Shanaghan’s offensive, ZERO. Purdy is fine, but he would look like a turd on the Panthers. Active Scary QBs: Lamar, Rodgers, Dak, Mahomes, Burrow… and to be clear, I think Mahomes and Burrow are trained killers. Both are the ONLY elite QBs in the entire NFL. I’d put Rodgers in that category, but who knows if he’s anything like he was a few seasons ago. I thought Watson as a Texan and Wilson in Seattle were Scary QBs to face.
August 30th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
The Athletic…talk about third tier of garbage.
August 30th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Sounds to me like he’s describing everybody that’s not a “2 way QB”…. Lamar, Daniels, etc.
He’s saying basically that he doesn’t have to game plan his D to stop QB runs against Baker. No news here.
3rd hand comment by an anonymous source.
The ownership, front office, TEAM, and an overwhelming majority of fans are happy with Baker and believe he’s the “perfect guy” to lead the Bucs for the foreseeable future. I feel the same way!
For those of you harkening back to the good old days with your man crush TB12… let it go.
He never loved you back and he’s not really “the GOAT” 😭🤣
August 30th, 2024 at 3:57 pm
Trask to the future get off of it already, trask isn’t better than baker, you can say baker ain’t good but guess what it’s still better than trask. Unless baker gets seriously injured you won’t see trask do anything other than warm up and sit on the sideline with headphones on and a clipboard in his hand
August 30th, 2024 at 3:57 pm
Everyone here knows I’m a fan of Baker Mayfield. I wish he’d of been drafted by an organization with leadership like the Bucs currently have. Instead he went to Cleveland. A coach (Kevin Stefanski)who’s so insecure that he couldn’t handle Mayfield being the star. Coach wanted to be the star. So after three years Mayfield led what I believe was the greatest organizational turnaround in NFL history. Injured his left shoulder early season 4 and it required surgery. Baker said he could wear a brace and wait for surgery. After the season he gets surgery and loses his job. D. Watson-professional pervert gets 230 guaranteed. Unbelievable. Mayfield goes to Carolina and the coach is fired 5 games in (Matt Ruhle).Starting with Tepper that organization is a dumpster fire. Congratulations Canales. Now he’s with a head coach who has enough experience in life to have learned the value of humility. A GM with the football savvy to have built this team. And an OC who is young, hungry and talented. If Mayfield stays healthy he is better than all the scary QBs Zoocomics named except maybe Mahommes. He’s never lost to Burrows. Lamar,Dak-no thanks. Rodgers- please don’t insult Father Time. I’m gonna help all you naysayers who’ve been too busy to research your QBs career. Instead talk about he has no touch on the ball? Of course he does you knucklehead. It’s scary that so many of you don’t see elite athletes and leaders. And a few months from now you haters will still hate. And you’ll still be horrendous judges of talent.
August 30th, 2024 at 3:58 pm
Bee acts like a top 20 defense is great it’s not. Im seriously concerned about our secondary and pass rushers. Also baker will be fine, as long as it ain’t trask on the field the Bucs will have a chance to win every game they play
August 30th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
KentonSmith,
Agree with you. Moreover, no way would somebody like Belichick ever make idiotic comments like the coward who won’t attach his name to his comments. Baker is going to have a terrific year. Watch how all the so called experts get Mayfield religion. ” I never said that about Baker. Have been a big fan since Oklahoma.” Baker is going to pile up big stats and Bucs win 10 in 2024. Hope Joe circles back with all the naysayers at the end of the year.
August 30th, 2024 at 5:38 pm
Todd decides who plays. If he thought Trask gave us a better chance to win, don’t you think he’d PLAY him?
August 30th, 2024 at 6:18 pm
Definitely the Saints.
August 30th, 2024 at 6:29 pm
Moxie can be defined as aggressive. Baker has a killer instinct – Kyle has not exhibited it. Which one would you think would get pinched in the mouth on one play, then come right back at you for a big first down or TD on the next?
Baker.
Alone that in Michael Pratt.
August 30th, 2024 at 6:41 pm
@Kenton Smith
I’d only add that Odell Beckam was another issue. Another dude who wanted to be the star. There was a definite rift in the locker room with new, young wide recievers who idolized Odell, and his best friend (Landry) stuck in the middle. Odell likes to freelance his routes and hasn’t been sh** since his NY Giants days but that’s neither here nor there….. the point being the locker room was a dysfunctional mess – the exact opposite of TBs
I’m happy for him, happy for TB and the team!
Hate it for those of you who don’t get it 🤷🏼
August 30th, 2024 at 7:07 pm
For whatever reason ,, I put money on Baker to be MVP,, 75-1 ,, not likely but good money if he throws to Mike 500 times and we go 13-4,,, I’m not sure what you guys have against Baker ,, I have nothing against trask and root for both if needs be,,, baker haters , give home a shot this year ,,,, Tom was great , I hit a 60-1 futures bet w him ,, but give the Bake show a real shot ,, if he sux ,, I’ll be one of the first to agree ,, but I’m guessing 35 TDs , 9 Pics and a division title ,,, if that happens (I’ll win 4-1 money) you will have to say he’s ok for now at least
August 30th, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Just tell him to take his medicine like a big boy if we beat him this season.
August 31st, 2024 at 7:28 am
Coaches used to say they weren’t scared of the Tampa 2 a lot back in the day. “We can complete some passes against that zone,” every week in the lead up stories.
It is a sign of respect. Very defensive.
August 31st, 2024 at 7:25 pm
Cleveland was a train wreck team, why they got the #1 overall pick, and a couple of years later Baker won a playoff game on the road against the Steelers. People forget that. Then there was more Cleveland front office train wrecks, and Baker was injured. So he goes to Panthers, which STILL is a train wreck. Bucs are the first stable organization he’s played for… give him another year or two and see what the ‘experts’ say about him. The same ‘experts’, BTW, who picked Bucs to win 2 games last year and draft another QB with the first overall pick. Baker is fine.