Tampa Bay Buccaneers Baker Mayfield Fearless In Home Season Opener

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed their Quarterback Baker Mayfield to a contract extension in March this year, worth up to $115 Million. Also during the offseason, the Bucs hired Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, which pleased Mayfield, having worked with him when he spent a spell with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. Last season, the Bucs QB led them to an NFC Divisional Playoffs against the Detroit Lions, in which they lost 31-23. With a new contract and a new offensive coordinator, Mayfield looked to start his season on a positive note.

On Sunday, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had their season opener against the Washington Commanders. With a lot of focus on the run game, the Bucs look to make their way in not only their fourth NFC South divisional title but what the team believes is a run toward the Super Bowl. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have nine rookies on their roster, with four on offense.

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Baker Mayfield Commanding The Ship

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't play a well-executed game, but they did win against the Commanders 37-20. The team had 46 yards in penalties, but none of that mattered when Quarterback Baker Mayfield hit the field. There were times Mayfield seemed untouchable when the pocket broke down. He would scramble and make spectacular passes to his receivers. Mayfield had perfect timing on screens for Running Back Rachaad White and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin.

Baker Mayfield did something on Sunday that he had only done four other times before. He threw four passing touchdowns in a game. Mayfield had a QBR of 146.4, completing 24 of his 30 passing attempts. He also passed to seven different receivers in this game. On the Buccaneers' last offensive run of the game, Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers on a 12-play 91-yard run, which resulted in a one-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans.

Near Perfect

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have found the right quarterback to make another run toward a championship. Before Sunday's game, Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen predicted that Chris Godwin would not only have a good game but a breakout season. In the game against the Commanders, Godwin would lead the Bucs receivers in yards and receptions. Godwin would grab eight passes for 83 yards with one touchdown on eight targets. Mayfield set up rookie Jalen McMillan for his first NFL career touchdown with a 32-yard pass.

The connection between White and Mayfield would start early in the game. The Bucs utilized the screen game, giving White the ability to rack up 75 yards in receiving on a perfect six receptions on six targets. Mayfield would also connect to Evans on the team's first touchdown of the game on a 17-yard pass. Evans would finish the day with five catches on six targets with 61 yards and two touchdowns.

Final Thoughts

Next Sunday, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the 1-0 Detroit Lions, who won in overtime over the Los Angeles Rams. This matchup will be a rematch of last year's NFC divisional round in the Playoffs, which the Bucs lost. The Bucs will have a chance to tighten up the sails and ready the cannons for their trip to Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Will the Buccaneers avenge their loss and add another win to their column? Also, will their run-game play more of a role, or will Baker Mayfield display another game of amazement of passing and good decision-making?

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Article originally written by J Muscle