Feeling the Rhythm: Bucs Sees a 'Comfort' to Mayfield's Game

Last season, Baker Mayfield orchestrated a career revival with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . Originally seen as a transitional quarterback from Tom Brady to the next leader of the team's offense, Mayfield navigated early adversity and solidified himself in the starting role.

His efforts helped the Bucs to another NFC South title and an appearance in the NFC Divisional round. While those achievements were impressive, the time draws near where those will be put completely in the rearview and the 2024 campaign begins.

Mayfield earned a three-year $100 million contract in the offseason, meaning the Bucs have taken a considerable investment in the prospects of him powering a contender. With the takes heightened this season, all eyes will be on the quarterback's ability to build on his previous success.

But Tampa Bay has reason to expect continued progress from Mayfield. According to assistant general manager John Spytek, the starter has settled into his game .

"He's always confident, I think you love that about him and he's got a swagger to him this year," Spytek said on Thursday. "There's a comfort to him and a rhythm to his game right now that I think is really starting to pick up and its fun to see."

Mayfield's confidence has defined him since his college days. and it will need to continue to translate on the field for the Bucs. Unlike last season, there is pressure on Mayfield to win, perform and expectation reach heights similar to or better than the run the 2023 team.

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There should be a sense of relief for him having proven himself as an NFL starter.  He will play in Liam Coen's system in which he has familiarity and will throw to a talented receiving group among the most consistent in the league. So could a comfortable Baker present a more dangerous version?

The coming weeks will have that answer, but Mayfield has not had such a positive environment embrace him until now. He surely has work to do this season, but there remains plenty of reason to count on Bucs quarterback delivering for them once again.