The Bucs are going to see a different quarterback against the Jets on Sunday in Tampa Bay’s home opener. New York head coach Aaron Glenn said on Wednesday that starter Justin Fields is out with a concussion, meaning that backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor will play.

Fields sustained the injury last week when the Jets lost 30-10 at home to the Bills. Taylor came into the game last week after Fields was out and went 7-of-11 for 56 yards and a touchdown while getting sacked twice. He also rushed three time for 21 yards in the game.

Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor – Photo by: USA Today

While Taylor didn’t come into the game until there was 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, he still managed to throw for more yards that Fields did in the entire game. It should be noted as well that Taylor’s touchdown pass came with just over three minutes to go in a blowout game with the Bills ahead.

Do Bucs Change Their Game Plan Against A Different QB?

Taylor is a well-experienced quarterback in the NFL. This is his 15th season in the league and second year with the Jets. Overall, he has played in 95 games, starting in 58 of them with a record of 28-28-1. He’s a mobile quarterback as well, making him a player that the Bucs can’t take lightly.

Does this alter the game planning for the Bucs as much? Head coach Todd Bowles has always said they play against the system and scheme, not the quarterback. That stays true for this matchup.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“He can run just as good as Justin (Fields),” Bowles said. “Obviously he’s played longer. Very smart quarterback. (He) gets out of the pocket, very elusive that way with running (a) quarterback. Knows where to go with the football, very experienced. We just got to play our game and try to keep him corralled.”

There have been many comparisons between Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. echoed a similar sentiment to his head coach.

“Tyrod does everything as well,” Winfield said. “He runs as well as Justin Fields, so, same game plan going in.”

Baker Mayfield Has History With Tyrod Taylor

Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield happens to know Taylor well. Taylor played one season with the Browns in 2018, which coincided with Mayfield’s rookie season that year. Mayfield gave a lot of credit to Taylor for helping him learn what playing in the NFL is like, preparing him all season long.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

“He’s an awesome guy,” Mayfield said. “A really good leader. Veteran presence that was instrumental for me in the midst of a chaotic first year in Cleveland and somebody that I relied on a lot.

“I have a ton of respect for him just the way he’s able to command and operate. Obviously Justin presents different challenges, but Tyrod is able to do his own thing. He’s played a lot of ball, been everywhere, different systems, so it’ll be a good matchup.”