Mike Alstott, Devoted Baker Mayfield Fan
February 1st, 2025
Arguably the greatest lunch-pail warrior in the history of Bucs offenses, retired fullback Mike Alstott (1996-2006), has found a current Bucs player he absolutely adores.
And it’s not Bucky Irving.
Alstott, the “A-Train,” joined WDAE radio last night and talked about the state of the Bucs.
He was a big fan of the 2024 season, and it’s a safe bet he’s not in the fire Todd Bowles camp.
“I loved it. I thought they were exciting, played with a lot of passion, a lot of heart,” Alstott said. “I think that goes a long way for future-building. I really beleive they have their nucleus in place.
“I’m a big fan of Baker. … … Baker is just a gamer. He’s just a true gamer and oh, I love the guy. He’ll give up his body for the team and the first down and what not.”
Alstott, 51, went on to praise team unity and focus, citing the Bucs fighting through injuries for 10 wins.
“Everybody stepped up and I love that type of mentality. That reminds of when I was playing with [Tony] Dungy, ‘Next man up,'” Alstott said. “And it was like, ‘Hey, get’er done. It doesn’t matter who’s in.'”
Interesting to Joe was Alstott being asked for his take on Irving, the rookie running back sensation. Alstott sort of punted. While he said Irving was strong, Alstott was more focused on the group effort to pound the rock.
“It was great seeing a team running the football. You know what I mean?” Alstott said. “In today’s age of NFL, you just don’t see that too often, and sticking with the run.”
Alstott noted the Bucs breaking runs late in games was a byproduct of their run commitment.
Joe loved the Bucs’ success running, too, but remember that the Bucs ranked 10th this season in pass attempts and 10th in run attempts — and averaged 29.5 points per game.
They were lethal — and committed — in all aspects of offense.
February 1st, 2025 at 5:13 pm
The OL under Carberry was vastly improved and they adjusted the blocking scheme to what type was working…. Interesting that he didn’t talk about the backs….
February 1st, 2025 at 5:21 pm
Imagine that- Alston, a running back, recognized the production we got from all of our running backs, and it just one.
Imagine if we had kept using all of them at the end of the season, when our offense was sputtering, like we had been so successful with all year before that?
Oh well.
February 1st, 2025 at 5:21 pm
*not just one.
February 1st, 2025 at 5:48 pm
Let’s just hope that things run as smoothly this with our new OC. I think they will but you never know. Come on Jason, put together another superb draft. This time focus on the D. Our offense is pretty solid, and we can always pick up some gems in UDFA.
February 1st, 2025 at 5:52 pm
Great one Joe!
LFG!!!!
February 1st, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Now about the 29th ranked Pass Defense.
February 1st, 2025 at 6:01 pm
Can we get a DC?
February 1st, 2025 at 6:11 pm
The Baker Bois just got bigger. Hey Munchible. Give us your best Alstott slam.
February 1st, 2025 at 6:14 pm
A-TRAIN!!!
Now lets get our newer, a little bit smaller version of him in Skattebo….but only if he’s there in the 3rd (or we trade up to top of 3rd)….we need Emmanwori and Revel first two picks!
February 1st, 2025 at 6:38 pm
Sue Moore Says:
February 1st, 2025 at 6:01 pm
Probably not. I’m just waiting to hear something about a new D-line coach and maybe that Todd has the sense to fire the other clowns coaching the D. Certainly, he can’t be exempting them from accountability. Outside of Larry Foote, I’m not sure any of these guys is worth keeping around.
February 1st, 2025 at 7:16 pm
Sue Moore Says:
February 1st, 2025 at 6:01 pm
Can we get a DC?
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Can’t remember if Bowles has actually been asked the question, since the end of the season, if he would consider having a DC, not named Bowles? Most people agree that something has to be done to improve the defense, has he been asked what his plans are to improve it?
Joe/Anyone?
February 1st, 2025 at 7:39 pm
It is very rare that a head coach is also a defensive coordinator. Offensive coordinator, yes. His defense is so complex, he wouldn’t trust anyone with calling his schemes. Reset the linebacker position, accentuate the defensive backs and yes, a pass rush!!
February 1st, 2025 at 7:48 pm
The defense will either improve, or Bowles will be gone, simple as that. It’s on him.
February 1st, 2025 at 8:01 pm
When the A-Train talks, Bucs fans listen!
February 1st, 2025 at 8:19 pm
But but but if they would only play Trask , Alstott would ❤️ him SO much more………
Lolololololololololol
February 1st, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Curious to know why everybody just wants to blame Todd Bowles about the defense, but no blame on Jason Licht?
The Bucs don’t need a DC, They need talent.
Simple as that.
February 1st, 2025 at 9:19 pm
Rod and Oneil, I think you guys need to set Alsott straight about Baker.
February 1st, 2025 at 9:28 pm
“Mark Alstott. Man, I love that guy!”
February 1st, 2025 at 9:32 pm
Tbbucs3 Says:
February 1st, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Curious to know why everybody just wants to blame Todd Bowles about the defense, but no blame on Jason Licht?
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Todd Bowles should be fired. If not for the great performance of the offense last season he would have been. Man is not suitable to be a HC in this league. That has been proven over and over again and as it turns out he’s not much of a DC either.
February 1st, 2025 at 9:32 pm
This must be trigger O’Neill and Rod day. All this praise for their boy Baker!!!
But what do Alstott, Fitz, and Peyton Manning know eh?
Baker is unique in today’s game. Josh Allen will bulldoze DB’s and the occasional LB but he’s a freak! 6-5″ 240 lbs, he’s built like a Fullback or TE.
Baker is just 6-1 215. For those who are math challenged that 4 inches shorter and 25lbs lighter.
All the other QB’s do it with “athleticism”. Not saying many don’t have courage, Tua immediately comes to mind. But Baker is simply a different animal.
I think Baker is a true “throwback”, genuinely “old school”. I think of HOF QB Fran Tarkenton. Ranked 59th on the Sporting News Top 100 Greatest Football Players. He played when players were admittedly smaller and slower but he was only 6-0″ 190lbs. Oh but wait he could never win because he wouldn’t be able to throw over the DL’s because he’s too short. Tarkenton’s nicknames…
Frantic Fran…or Scramblin’ Fran. Sound like Baker?
Since Baker is also a bit of a freak in terms of “cojones” or perhaps he’s just crazy, it’s hard to evaluate him properly. He’s truly different and people generally are not comfortable with “different”. I won’t get all political here.
I end with a question for anybody who cares to answer it. Brad Johnson is my alltime favorite Buc QB, yeah even over St. Tommy.
Was Brad Johnson “elite” or simply “very good” and a WINNER!
February 1st, 2025 at 9:34 pm
“Todd Bowles should be fired.”
Says nobody who is actually playing or played in the NFL. Just the genius posters here!
Alstott certainly appreciates Todd. Wonder what he sees that some of our blind posters can’t seem to locate?
February 1st, 2025 at 9:36 pm
@Tbbucs3, you obviously dont pay enough attention to todd’s scheme! Mainly dropping pass rushers into coverage…or you choose to be in denial for a reason…in that case, carry on pshhh
February 1st, 2025 at 9:55 pm
I guess the baker / a train comparison is accurate. Never realized it before
February 1st, 2025 at 9:59 pm
I guess the “ bridge qb” idea didn’t pan out for baker ..😊
February 1st, 2025 at 10:18 pm
Love Alstott, but the “we overcame injuries” & “next man up” cliches are so tired and meaningless. Every team in the league did the exact same thing every week (and many won more games than the Bucs), it’s not a Bowles Bucs exclusive lol. It’s the name of the game in ANY team sport actually. And, while Todd obviously has a hand in it, one of the biggest reasons the team culture is as solid as it is is due to Licht & the FO making character and a team-first attitude a big part of the evals on the players they bring in, while moving on from guys that don’t fit that vibe (White, etc). Joe might be able to confirm/deny that it was Bowles who actually pushed to bring White back after Philly unceremoniously dumped him, but was wisely denied by Licht because the baggage & bad juju he carries could’ve damaged the locker room. Tell us again though how it’s Bowles who holds this team together when he himself always says it’s the players job to lead & motivate each other lol. Can’t wait to hear the excuses people make for him after we’re one & done again or miss the playoffs entirely next season with a roster that continues to underperform.
February 1st, 2025 at 10:29 pm
None of the Bowles haters answered my question…again, basically zero blame on Jason Licht?
Licht has a LONG history of struggling to build a complete defense outside of the Brady years…the pressures on for Licht to make something happen in the offseason.
Mark Dominik has a better draft resume when it comes to pass rushers than Jason Licht…
February 1st, 2025 at 11:24 pm
Meaning next man up is the 2nd & 3rd stringers were playing as well as the 1st string that’s what they mean next man up most teams putting in 3rd string did not have the success as the bucs did WTF u people on this negative site suck
February 1st, 2025 at 11:26 pm
Todd better find four guys who can rush the passer. Blame Licht or his scheme, but no cornerback can cover for the amount of time the defense allowed QBs to find the open man. Even Kirk Cousins looked like an All-Pro. Could be the guys drafted could be the coaching honestly JTS going to another team this season will really tell us which one it is. Just sayin.
February 2nd, 2025 at 12:16 am
They were definitely well balanced and had some explosive plays. The only thing they were lacking, if you want to nitpick, is some pass attempts down the field past 20 yards. With the short passing game and the running game they have, that should be opened up enough to take a couple shots a game.
February 2nd, 2025 at 12:56 am
Tbbucs3 Says:
February 1st, 2025 at 10:29 pm
None of the Bowles haters answered my question…again, basically zero blame on Jason Licht?
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Probably because there are no “Bowles haters”. (sounds like something a teenage girl would say) But you can be sure there are plenty of people that dislike him as a HC.
As far as JL it’s pretty well documented, that he has never had any success drafting an edge rusher. Just as well as it’s been documented on this website that Bowles says he doesn’t want one. His defense is good without one. And in the past when he’s had one drafted he’s never had success developing one. No wonder people think he should be fired.
February 2nd, 2025 at 1:35 am
I love me some A-Train! The last great Tailback? Fullback!
Never seen a dude who could run over a linebacker or run around one…His choice. Way to go… Mark!
Not surprising that he likes Baker. Baker really does remind me of Jim McMahon of Bears glory But I think Baker is a bit more of a tough guy in that he will lower his shoulder to get that last yard.
Go Bucs!
February 2nd, 2025 at 6:10 am
If all it took was development, every team would have one great DE/OLB. Can’t think of many great pass rushers that weren’t already nearly a finished product.
Shag is one , but he was playing behind Vonn Miller and Andre Ware, which would help develop any players progression, IMO. But he already had the desired physical traits and and a gigantic heart to not give up on a play.
February 2nd, 2025 at 7:15 am
This is the equivalent of your kid raving about the “great” taste of a Tombstone frozen pizza.
February 2nd, 2025 at 1:59 pm
Josh,
This defense gets a whole lot better with one dedicated EDGE. No need or time to develop one. Just pick up a vet like Myles Garrett or TJ Watt. A blockbuster deal like this makes the back end of the defense look a lot better. There is simply no better pass coverage than to constantly harass opposing QB’s. Early and hurried throws lead to interceptions and incomplete 3rd down.