How's Bucs' Baker Mayfield 'Taking Next Step' In Year 2?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is finally settled in the NFL after being shipped around to various teams over the last 18 months, and it's improving his game.

With Baker seemingly on his "last chance" at being a starter last season, Mayfield took it all in his stride, beat out Kyle Trask for the starting role, and then led the franchise to a division title and a playoff win.

Now, in his second offseason with the franchise, quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis has seen areas of Baker's game improve, particularly regarding the scramble drill.

"A lot of those times last year ... he [was] going to run and try to get it himself," Lewis said via ESPN . "Just get out of bounds. "[Now] he's moving in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield and making plays on the run, which I think is one of his best attributes. That makes the defense [play more honest, with] an extra guy they got to cover that they don't account for. ... I was like, 'OK, cool. You're taking that next step.'"

From outside the organization, little is expected of the Buccaneers in 2024; this is nothing new for the franchise.

Playing with a chip on their shoulder has served the Buccaneers well for the most part, but with a defense that was top 10 last season and an offense that has weapons in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rachaad White, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otten to name a few, there's more than enough to suggest Tampa Bay could amount to something.

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However, most of the concerns are leveled at Mayfield, and his ability to replicate his 2023 season was one of the best in his career. Baker earned a Pro Bowl nod after throwing for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while having a passer rating of 94.6.

With Lewis seeing improvement in Baker's game, can the veteran again prove to the NFL world that he's to be taken seriously as a starter?

Some are skeptical. Now, it's up to Mayfield to make them believers.