If Baker Mayfield was able to revive his career last season in an offense where he took direct orders without many adjustments, just imagine what he’ll be able to do this year. Part of the nuance of thus Bucs offense under Liam Coen this year is that there will be several plays called at the line of scrimmage.

Coen had previously said that there will be two to three plays called at the line of scrimmage and the play will be determined by how the defense looks and where the Bucs could get the numbers advantage. This pales in comparison to the Bucs’ offense last year under offensive coordinator Dave Canales, where the play that was called was the play that was ran with the exception of a couple of audibles. It’s a not a knock on Canales’ system, which played a huge part in Mayfield’s success, it’s just different from Coen’s way of doing things.

Baker Mayfield Taking On More Responsibility

Liam Coen’s system is asking more from the Bucs players. It requires a higher level of football IQ from the offensive players to identify which defensive front the offense is seeing and how best to attack it. And most importantly, it’s asking more from Baker Mayfield, who will have a plenty of leeway in determining the best outcome for the Bucs with the chance to audible in nearly every situation.

“There’s a lot more responsibility,” Mayfield said of this offense. “Line of scrimmage, a lot more double play calls where you’re having to get the guys in the right positions. But as a quarterback, you want to have that responsibility and accountability. You always want to put your guys in the best position to have success, so now Liam’s giving us the opportunity with a couple play calls to be able to do that. Like I said, it’s more mentally taxing but [I’m] just relearning the system and not taking it with the mindset that I’ve been here before but really starting from square one.”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

Another aspect that’s changing this year is the outlook and perspective from Mayfield and some of his top targets. Last year, Mayfield was competing with Kyle Trask for a starting job. This year he comes in knowing he’s the starter.

There’s also the benefit of having built-in chemistry with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rachaad White and others. It can only grow in year two as they also welcome in good talent from a rookie class.

“Obviously, last year was a lot of trying to learn the system on the fly, get to know teammates as well, balancing that with performance versus getting to know everybody and trying to be a leader,” Mayfield said. “Now, going through a year…obviously you have some new faces here, but going through a year with these guys, I’m trying to be more in command. I am vocal, but most of the time I’m only vocal when I need to be, kind of a lead-by-example type of guy.

“Really now, it’s taking the next step in the vocal aspect of getting everybody on the same page. You never want to feel comfortable. Yeah, is it great that I know I’m going to be here for a couple years? Of course. It means I get to settle in here, be myself even more so, and push these guys to the next level. Yeah, that’s a good feeling.”

What Baker Mayfield Is Working On

The Bucs have just finished up OTAs and will have three days of mandatory mini-camp next week. This is a time where every player is working on some kind of specific fundamental in which they feel they need to improve on. Baker Mayfield revealed where his efforts are.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“You try to improve everything, but for me right now, [it’s] slowing my feet down a little bit,” Baker Mayfield said. “I’ve always kind of had constantly-moving feet like some of the QBs do, but just slowing it down to where I’m not passing up progressions and it’s smooth through that process. Yeah, just going through it, being decisive with the ball and getting everybody on the same page is the most important thing.”

He then went into further detail.

“When I say calming my feet, sometimes I process information pretty quickly and my feet get out of whack a little bit,” Mayfield said.  “Obviously, when it comes down to playing football, you can always run for a first down, whatever you’ve got to do. But not drifting in the pocket, not putting extra stress on these guys up front, and just going through it in a balanced setting and just trying to handle it the best way possible.”