Bucs quarterback Jalon Daniels has not only learned by starting two NFL games, but also by getting plenty of advice from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Daniels has admirably filled in for Mayfield since Tampa Bay’s starting signal-caller suffered a dislocated right thumb against Minnesota in Week 3.

The rookie is coming off an impressive performance in a 24-16 win over the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. Daniels spent much of his Wednesday press conference commending what Mayfield has taught him and how supportive he has been watching his understudy work.

Jalon Daniels Is Picking Baker Mayfield’s Brain And Emulating His Game

Where did Jalon Daniels see the most growth between his first career start against the Packers and his second against the Cowboys?

“I would say composure within the pocket – trusting my eyes, trusting what the defense was giving me and taking No. 1 or No. 2 in the progression, and if you see a hole, and it’s a gaping, wide open hole, probably take it because at the end of the day you’re trying to move the sticks,” Daniels said.

His performance under the lights at AT&T Stadium speaks for itself in that regard, as he played well off the concepts drawn by Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Daniels’ efficiency attests to that, but there is still plenty of work to do. It does not get any easier, assuming he gets the starting nod another week while Baker Mayfield recovers.

For now, the reins are in the rookie’s hands, but Mayfield is right by his side teaching him how to hold them.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Daniels is his own quarterback, but he shares a similar play style and traits that mirror Mayfield’s. It is no surprise he has leaned on the veteran, asking questions during film sessions and practice throughout the week.

“Yeah, for one, asking Baker whatever questions that I have as far as operation, as far as how he does a certain cadence, how he comes into the huddle and is able to call a different play and how he is viewing a game,” Daniels said. “Obviously when we’re going through film and having our protection meetings at the beginning of the week, I’m asking him those questions as far as what he sees.

“The more I’m able to try to pick his brain apart and be able to learn more from him, the more it’s helping me get prepared for the game, [but also] the more it’s helping me for any opportunities that come down the line, as well.”

The conversations they have throughout the week also extend to game days, when Mayfield has served as a valuable resource and set of eyes.

“It just depends,” Daniels said about what he discusses with Mayfield during games. “Certain situations it’s about seeing if I’m able to switch up the cadence to be able to make the defense jump offsides. Sometimes it could be about my eyes, trying to move a defense one way to be able to open somebody else up.

“Or it could just be something as simple as whenever we get into this situation, if they end up running this coverage, be aware of that. If they [do], alert it to something else and try to be able to get to another play. [There] are a whole lot of things that Baker has been able to stay in steady communication with me about and I appreciate that.”

Bucs QBs Jalon Daniels and Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

From Daniels’ perspective, Mayfield’s support and feedback speaks to his leadership ability. While the newly extended quarterback must be frustrated with how his season started, he has taken on a mentor role for a mentee looking to guide Tampa Bay to another win.

“I think that [Baker Mayfield] has done a tremendous job continuing to lead this team, no matter if he’s able to be on the field or not,” Daniels said. “He’s somebody who continues to be in the building, continues to be in meetings, continues to be around the team and be someone who continues to motivate us every single day.

“This is the game that you love… You have to be able to go out there and still be the leader of the team. You have to be able to still go out there and be the same person every single day. That’s what I love from ‘Bake.’ He’s continued to do that. He has continued to be the same person every single day and that’s something that you can’t ask more from in your captain and the leader of your team.”

Jalon Daniels Will Remember First NFL Win For Life, But The Work Isn’t Done

The next challenge for Jalon Daniels and the Bucs is facing a 3-2 Steelers team fresh off a 34-22 win over the Colts. Long known for its defensive play, Pittsburgh has several playmakers on that side of the ball. T.J. Watt comes with the most name recognition, but Daniels pointed out it isn’t just Watt.

“I mean you mentioned one guy that’s on that D-Line, but I think that that defensive line has a few other guys who have a high motor and have the ability to go out there and make plays, especially if you put the ball in harm’s way,” Daniels said. For us, it’s just going to be about keeping the main thing the main thing, executing our gameplan that’s being implemented, and whenever we get a play call, being able to go out there and execute it to the best of our ability.”

Sitting at 1-4, Tampa Bay has dug itself into a deep early-season hole. Barring a drastic change of events, the shovel will be in Daniels’ hands to dig the team out of it. Another win would continue to build confidence for a group that has yet to play any NFC divisional games.

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Jalon Daniels enjoyed every bit of the surreal experience he had in Dallas in Week 5, but the work isn’t done.

Far from it.

“I mean it was a great experience,” Daniels said about taking in his first NFL win. “It’s one of those experiences that you’ll probably remember for the rest of your life, especially for my mother, as well. I’m glad to have gotten the win last week, but for me, [it’s about] moving on to the next week and trying to go out there and get a win at home.”