What can fans expect from quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense in 2024? Look for a more empowered Mayfield to have "more responsibilities" at the line of scrimmage.
"We're gonna have answers," he said in an interview with NFL Network,
Early reports show that Mayfield has looked poised throughout Tampa's training camp. The former Oklahoma star arrives at the team's Advent Health Training Center fresh off signing a three-year, $100 million extension in the offseason.
Mayfield is reunited with new offensive coordinator Liam Coen - the pair worked together briefly with the Los Angeles Rams at the tail end of the 2022 season. "This is his team," Coen boasted of Mayfield at his introductory press conference.
READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson make feelings on each other clear after Jets practice footage
READ MORE: Baker Mayfield shows true colors as Tampa Bay Buccaneers notice change in QB
NFL Network's Sara Walsh asked Mayfield : "Liam Coen, said you’re going to have more responsibility at the line to change plays…we heard from almost everybody on offense we’ve talked about so many more motions…what are you most excited about in this Liam Coen era?"
"We have certain play calls at the line of scrimmage and we’re gonna have answers," an emboldened Mayfield responded. "It’s not like we’re gonna show up to the line of scrimmage and feel handcuffed to whatever the defense is doing."
Coen replaces outgoing offensive coordinator Dave Canales , who took the head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers. He's had impressive stints as the OC and QB coach with Kentucky in addition to his stint with the Rams.
Mayfield put forth his best NFL season in 2023, throwing for 4044 yards with a tidy 28-10 TD-INT ratio, and led the Buccaneers to a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He even ranked in the top ten in EPA/play (expected points added).
Head coach Todd Bowles reflected on the new Mayfield, explaining at a press conference how they've noticed a change in the quarterback, who "has the keys to the bus. He’s driving it. He’s comfortable, we’re comfortable with him. We’re both in a great place right now".
Mayfield dove further into what the offense will look like: "When it comes to the motions and the shifts and all that it’s just giving them different eye candy."
"How many different ways can we draw up what we’re really good at, how many different ways can we format it. and get Mike [Evans] and Chris [Godwin] and these guys in different places to get them the ball as quick as possible."
A more-empowered Mayfield may continue to build his reputation in the league. PFF slotted him as the NFL's 20th best-starting quarterback and he just missed a spot in the NFL Top100, finishing as an honorable mention.
In other Bucs training camp news , three-time Pro Bowl tackle Tristan Wirfs inked a massive five-year, $140.63 million extension. The lineman is good friends with Mayfield and the pair had babies just a week apart this offseason.
Local Tampa, FL
Most Popular
Comments / 0