I am a big Mayfield fan and routinely point out that athletes evolve so we might be getting Mayfield at his best BUT simple human experience and statistics suggest he might also regress.
I have no idea what the Bucs will do this season. My crystal ball is still at repair at the Stonehenge Mystical Antiquities. Something about a shortage of the vapors from the Oracle's cave in Greece. I would like to see the Bucs sweep the NFCS and go on to a 12-5 record. That is possible if the O'line has improved as much as people hope, Baker plays well and there is a minimum of injuries. But if Wirfs or Evans goes done to injuries it could get brutal. But yeah, I'll go with 12-5.
11-6 Is what I'll say. Yes our division is weak only because of the new bloods on the other teams. Chemistry takes time and those in our division all have to gel together and while on their journey get out of their rookie stage. I hope we sweep the Panthers this year!!!
Second youngest team in the NFL apparently.
If the Bucs don't sweep the Panthers, the Bucs will be watching the playoffs in front of their TV and OBP will be trying to decide who to pick with an early first round draft pick.11-6 Is what I'll say. Yes our division is weak only because of the new bloods on the other teams. Chemistry takes time and those in our division all have to gel together and while on their journey get out of their rookie stage. I hope we sweep the Panthers this year!!!
The Atlantic see Coen as our weakest link, at least early on
”
Offensive scheme
The Bucs never anticipated being as effective as they were last season after Tom Brady’s retirement. A good share of the credit went to offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who has since become the head coach of the Panthers. In his place is Liam Coen, who is making significant changes, including more looks, more deception, more motion and more QB freedom at the line. At the very least, the Bucs are likely to go through a learning curve. They have to hope Coen has more success than he did in his one previous season as an NFL offensive coordinator when the Rams finished last in offense and had a 5-12 record. — Dan Pompei”
Meh. You can take these things for whatever you think they're worth. Question: what did The Atlantic's experts think of Canales before the start of last season? I mean, didn't they have TB not winning 6 games last year and probably getting the 1st pick in the draft?
Just saying, they kind of have a default 'prediction' when it's a new/rookie coordinator or HC or whatever. And they nearly always hedge on the low side of things. And not for nothing, but the guy didn't even mention the fact that Coen has 2 seasons as OC of UK, just that he had one season as 'OC' at LAR (2022), but neglected to mention that he didn't do any of the play-calling, or that the offense was completely decimated by injuries very early that season.
Yes definitely offered on a FWIW basis
Yes, could be as Pompei says, but we know the year McVay turned the playcalling duties over to Coen, he did so because the Rams were hammered with injuries.
We also know the new system has similar concepts to what Canales wanted to do, QB has some familiarity with it, there will be more movement and some flexibility to check out of plays, not to mention that Coen actually has experience calling plays in the SEC as well as some experience doing the same in the NFL.
Don’t deny that there is a learning curve, that we have a great new center - but leaving the door open for some early mistakes because he’s a rookie… that’s why I went with a 9-8 prediction. Not expecting huge issues, just some adjustments.
We’ll see.
ATL has some of the same issues, with added challenges if a new OC and DC as well as new systems & concepts… Saints, too.
Just 4 more days till we get the first test out of the way… let’s go!
Warren Sharp:
"Many people viewed the loss of OC Dave Canales as a big issue for Baker Mayfield, and that without Canales, this offense will not be as effective.
While Canales was viewed as a “QB whisperer” in how he helped both Geno Smith and Mayfield improve, I don’t view his absence as the biggest issue for the Bucs.
This offense ran far too often on early downs under Canales and put themselves in tough spots.
The larger issue is simple regression after their incredible luck last season related to schedule ease, turnovers, fumbles, field goals, health, and third down performance."
and this little quote:
"This offense ran far too often on early downs under Canales"
:-)
Checking in after 1st quarter of the season. Happily wrong watching the Bucs start out strong and leading the division.
It's difficult to predict because you never know how Baker is going to play from year to year. I believe Bucs fans are going to be pleased with a very much improved running game. I'm going to be optimistic and hope Baker's play is as good as last year and predict a 10-7 record with a division crown and a seat at the NFC Championship.
today might have validated your comments about running game!
The Bucs lead the division and beat another division leader, the Commanders, to get there.
The Vikings are undefeated and so they got better by shipping out the #1 free agent QB. His new team is 2-2 but only after beating a division rival by PUNTING for a TD lol
Crazy NFL
It's difficult to predict because you never know how Baker is going to play from year to year. I believe Bucs fans are going to be pleased with a very much improved running game. I'm going to be optimistic and hope Baker's play is as good as last year and predict a 10-7 record with a division crown and a seat at the NFC Championship.
today might have validated your comments about running game!
It's early, but yeah, if we continue to improve I'll wear the Savant Cap.
