Although the Bucs had many of their own players returning this year, something feels different about this year’s preseason. The good thing is, different means better for the Bucs this time around. Different means better chemistry, more focus and overall, a functioning cohesive unit. In a surprise to few, a big reason the Bucs also feel that way is due to the change that has been seen in quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is going into his second season in Tampa Bay.

Mayfield has led the charge in several ways. It started when Liam Cohen was hired as offensive coordinator, and nobody knew his offense like Mayfield did. It continued finding a telepathy type of chemistry with Mike Evans. Before we knew it, the Bucs were a well-oiled machine and September hasn’t even arrived yet.

Jason Licht On The Development Of Baker Mayfield

“He was very focused last year,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said of Mayfield. “There’s just a little bit different gleam in his eye and I think a little bit maybe has to do [with the fact] that he’s a father now. Once again, this is not saying he wasn’t mature, but he just seems to [have] a little bit more to prove, which I’d love to see. I love when people say things about him and doubt him – it energizes this entire team.”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Scott Reynolds/PR

Having more to prove is exactly where they want to be. That’s why Licht reveled when he was asked a question about the Atlanta Falcons being the favorite in the NFC South despite the Bucs winning the division the last three seasons.

“That’s great,” Licht said with a sarcastic looking smirk on his face. “They should be picking the Falcons.”

Licht continued to have Mayfield on the mind when he was later asked what excites him the most for this upcoming season. The first thing mentioned was about the Bucs’ starting quarterback.

“Just, you know, the second year with Baker [Mayfield] being at the helm, at quarterback,” Licht said. “The growth of our offensive line, what we’ve done with the run game so far in preseason – hopefully that transfers over to the regular season, but everybody’s very excited on that side of the ball for what we are capable of with the run game, which is going to help the entire team. It’ll help with ball control, it’ll help the defense, it’ll help the passing game – everything. So those are some of the things I’m excited to see hopefully continue.”

Baker Mayfield Weighs In

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

While others have seen a positive difference in Baker Mayfield, he hasn’t tried to adjust who he is. Mayfield continues the same person day in and day out but does admit there is a comfort and benefit to knowing he has a spot for him in Tampa for the coming seasons.

“Continue to be the same guy each and every day for these guys [and] everybody in the building,” Baker Mayfield said. “Continue to lead how to know that I can, the best way that I can. Obviously, I’ve had experience with Liam [Coen] before and this system, and that’s the offseason [purpose] – continue to coach guys and learn as we go through this process. For me, yeah, it’s comfortable knowing that I’m here for a longer time period, but don’t be satisfied with that.

“We still think about how far we got last year and where we could’ve been and just the ups and downs. Every season is different but you always kind of think back to where you were at this point last year and I think we have a better identity. So now, it’s really about attacking it and going to get what we’re working for. I feel good about where we’re at.”