Baker Mayfield heads into this season in a a lot totally different place than a yr in the past.
Whether or not that’s his profession 180 after proving himself with the Bucs final season, financially after securing a long-term deal to stay in Tampa Bay, or personally after having his first daughter together with his spouse Emily, loads of variables have contributed to Mayfield discovering the profession stability that has eluded him throughout his time within the NFL.
Nonetheless, he stays as hungry as ever.
Mayfield, a the primary general choose in 2018 who’s coming off his first Professional Bowl season, needs to win a championship.
Baker Mayfield Is Prepared To Assault This Season, “Feels Good About” The place Bucs Are At
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Though Baker Mayfield is settled in on the Bucs and within the metropolis of Tampa, don’t count on the group’s quarterback to be complacent.
Mayfield continues to be rising and wanting to reunite with offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who was employed this offseason and somebody he has labored with prior whereas enjoying for the Rams in 2022. Because the group seems to determine an id, count on the veteran quarterback to be on the middle of it. Groups solely go so far as their quarterback play, and he is aware of that he’s in control of rallying the troops.
“Proceed to be the identical man every day for these guys [and] everyone within the constructing,” Mayfield stated on how he’s trying to depart a mark. “Proceed to steer find out how to know that I can, the easiest way that I can. Clearly, I’ve had expertise with Liam [Coen] earlier than and this technique, and that’s the offseason [purpose] – proceed to educate guys and study as we undergo this course of. For me, yeah, it’s comfy realizing that I’m right here for an extended time interval, however don’t be glad with that.
“We nonetheless take into consideration how far we bought final yr and the place we may’ve been and simply the ups and downs. Each season is totally different however you at all times sort of suppose again to the place you have been at at this level final yr and I believe we’ve got a greater id. So now, it’s actually about attacking it and going to get what we’re working for. I be ok with the place we’re at.”
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Jalen McMillan – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Whether or not it’s Mayfield, operating again Rachaad White, large receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and left sort out Tristan Wirfs, loads of weapons stay on every stage of the Bucs’ offense. They are going to be supported by a brand new solid of rookies, together with new beginning middle Graham Barton, operating again Bucky Irving, and large receiver Jalen McMillan.
With all of these items, it’s simple to see why Mayfield views the group’s largest energy as being multifaceted and in a position to adapt to something thrown their manner.
“Versatility,” Mayfield stated. “I believe with us enhancing the operating sport and bringing the items again that we’ve got at receiver, after which including just a few items, as properly, simply within the talent group division… I believe versatility goes to be our largest weapon. Lining up and having groups resolve how they wish to defend us. Our guys have to have the ability to react and adapt to that. We’re instructing the sport proper now and I believe our guys are going to have the ability to deal with that.”
Liam Coen Serving to Baker Mayfield, Bucs’ Offense “Play Quick And Free” In 2024
So far as Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is anxious, he sees Liam Coen bringing “information, swag, and magnificence” to the Bucs’ offense because the offensive coordinator. Whereas Baker Mayfield didn’t touch upon Coen’s swag, he did point out that his new playcaller has given him the solutions and the facility to take issues up a notch.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and OC Liam Coen – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
The offense is predicted to enhance this season, and never simply on account of its participant personnel. Having expertise calling performs, Coen has precious perception into realizing find out how to function an NFL offense, and dealing below Rams head coach Sean McVay implies that the staple ideas of his offense will permit the playmakers to be ready to make performs.
“By no means feeling handcuffed on the line of scrimmage,” Mayfield stated on what Coen has helped him with. “He has given me all the solutions to probably have – [it’s] getting up there and making the fitting checks. To have the ability to course of that data actually rapidly is what he harps on within the QB room, of getting us into a great place, ‘If it doesn’t look proper, get out of it. You have got the facility to take action. I’m instructing you guys that. Exit and do it and put us in a great place to have success.’
“Not feeling handcuffed on the line of scrimmage is at all times a great feeling, however you’ve bought to know the place you’re going to go together with it. So, the preparation is the place he’s actually going to have us prepared and we’re all going to be on the identical web page relating to the entire offense. He needs us to take management of it. Talk with these guys about, ‘Once I’m seeing a sure look, that is what I’m going to get to,’ so guys can play quick and free.”
Baker Mayfield has excessive hopes for the place he can lead the Bucs this season. Even with the added consolation and life adjustments, Mayfield stays fiery. Pairing that fireside with extra freedom in Liam Coen’s offense, and it’s a bunch that would set scoreboards ablaze within the common season.
