There are not many better adrenaline rushes that one can get than watching a fiery Baker Mayfield get in the face and have some words with an adversary. Without fail, it has pumped up Bucs players time and time again.

Mayfield is the straw that stirs the drink for the Bucs, especially on offense. He’s the firestarter who wears his heart on his sleeve. But, what he’s also become is a one-man band.

Bucs QBs Baker Mayfield and Jake Browning and QBs coach Chandler Whitmer – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

When there’s moments that Tampa Bay needs a kickstart they often look to Mayfield first. More often than not, he’s there to answer the bell. Maybe sometimes Mayfield himself needs a pick-me-up, though, or at least would like to hear from someone else for a change.

Bucs Can’t Lose Games Because Of Sluggish Play At The Start

At the end of last season the Bucs looked like they were sleep-walking through the beginning of games. They’d often have slow starts, playing catch up as the game went on, which played a role in their 2-7 stumble at the end of the season. As we learned from the Netflix series Quarterback that featured Mayfield this season, maybe all the injuries took a toll on him mentally as much as they did physically.

Tampa Bay certainly put plans in place to stop the lack of energy from coming up this season, starting with bringing in players that have more of an edge to their game. Even players that have been here have to step up, though. For too long, Bucs teammates have stood around waiting for someone to take action. Sometimes it’s too late, so they need to get ahead of it this year.

Bucs OC Zac Robinson and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. shared that sentiment after the Bucs had a slow practice in their first joint practice against the Jaguars, stressing the sense of urgency that this team needs.

“Sometimes you just have to have more energy and we [have] to bring it,” Godwin said. “We [have] to generate our own energy, especially when we’re on the road because in situations like this, if it’s a game, it’s going to be a hostile environment. So, we [have] to be able to pull our heads out of our asses sometimes and get back on track.”

Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tristan Wirfs Takes It On Himself To Bring The Fire

Star left tackle Tristan Wirfs spoke after Wednesday’s practice for the first time all camp after missing most of it with a hamstring injury but returning last week. Representing all of the offensive linemen, they are putting it on themselves to be firing out of the gates from the get-go.

Wirfs has a close relationship with Mayfield, so he wanted to make sure that he has Mayfield’s back in what should be a fascinating season.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I expect this O-line to lead from the front and to not wait for six (Mayfield) to get everybody started,” Wirfs said. “We got to help him out a little bit. We got to bring the juice, we got to bring the fire. He does it day in and day out, week in, week out. We got to help him out a little bit. I think he’s going to play with his hair on fire like he always does. I think he’s going to show a lot of people what’s up and it’s going to be pretty cool to watch.”