Even before the 2023 NFL schedule had dropped, many across the nation have written off the Bucs before Memorial Day. When the schedule came out oddsmakers put out win totals for every team, and the Bucs were at or near the bottom of the league – regardless of whether it’s Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask that winds up as the starting quarterback.

Various gambling companies have the Bucs’ win total at over/under 6.5 wins, but it didn’t just stop there. Not many seem to believe in Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation, ranking the Bucs and the rest of the NFC South as having the worst quarterback group out of every division.

Baker Mayfield Addresses The Bucs Haters

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

There’s not much national excitement over the Tom Brady-less Bucs, but new quarterback Baker Mayfield couldn’t care less. Mayfield, who is full of confidence and swagger, addressed the national critics after practice on Tuesday.

“I played in this division last year and I’m pretty sure the Bucs won it still,” Mayfield said. “I don’t really care what the people in Vegas are putting odds on it because it’s May. We haven’t played a real snap of football. There’s a long way to go before that. It’s just the time of year where everybody is pretty bored and they don’t really have much to talk about. It makes it fun.”

Bucs Began 2023 OTAs On Tuesday

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

Tuesday was the first day of OTAs (organized team activities) for the Bucs as Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask shared snaps. Because these workouts are voluntary, not every player was in attendance. But Mayfield did get to work with the likes of starters Chris Godwin, Rachaad White and Cade Otton.

For Mayfield, this might be the former number one overall pick’s last chance to nail down a starting job and revive his career. In the meantime, he’s soaking it all in and enjoying the attitude that his Bucs teammates have brought as they work together.

“I’m excited about it. I’m very eager to get to work with these guys,” Mayfield said. “This is a place that has been very welcoming and I’m excited. Obviously it’s a one-year deal and I’m just trying to make the most of it one day at a time. This is a great group that just seems like a no B.S. squad that’s all about winning.”