a thrown together offensive line
That played admirably, you might add.
Signing Mayfield now doesn't = committed to mediocrity.
This may be true if the Bucs sign him to a contract that is guaranteed for just a couple years and we can cut him after that. But, a contact where we are stuck with him long term is most definitely committed to mediocrity. That's who he has been. That's who he is.
This is sort of what I meant with my "why" question, why all the angst?
Licht signed Brady to a 2 year deal.
Geno Smith got a 3 year deal.
Daniel Jones, a 4 year deal but apparently really a 2 year because most of the guaranteed $ is there and the Giants are saying they would draft a QB in 2024 (lol)
Goff was on 4 year contract
Stafford got a 4 year contract extension but even that was very front loaded and gives the Rams an out after 2
In other words, most QB contracts are not long-term deals that cannot be shuffled and even then a long term contract (that he's unlikely to get) is only "committed to mediocrity" because you believe Mayfield has been mediocre and that is "who he is."
What if you are wrong?
The line was not bad, but we all know the interior of the line struggled, Hainsey struggled at center, Goedeke struggled early, Cody Mauch had some adjustments, guard play was weak. Yep, Baker had a lot to deal with, especially early.That played admirably, you might add
Shhh…
It was because of bAlLeRz mAyFiElD
It's why the interior line is a focus for improvement in 2024, it's also why Bowels wanted Baker.
That played admirably, you might add
Shhh…
It was because of bAlLeRz mAyFiElD
last year was partially because of Brady’s quick release so certainly this year Mayfield has a part of it because of scrambling etc.
I think Canales helped our line more than anything because he kept defenses off balance
Even if he had to use Rachaad White as a battering ram to keep them off balance…
New England, Pittsburgh, Denver, and Atlanta all hope we go cheap on Baker. They know something some of you don't.
And, what exactly is that?
Even if he had to use Rachaad White as a battering ram to keep them off balance…
yes efficient running slows pass rush
staying on time down and distance slow pass rush
an elusive QB slows pass rush
A Mayfield stays home prediction from ESPN
Yeah, here’s another big-name Tampa Bay free agent returning, but it makes sense. Given Mayfield’s production over the second half of last season and some impressive playoff tape (two postseason games with over 300 passing yards), there will be free agent interest for the veteran quarterback. But in this new Tampa Bay system — which will fit his aggressive throwing mentality behind defined play-action concepts and schemed verticals — I think Mayfield could keep posting big numbers.
ESPN does not seem to realize Mayfield doesn't have "verticals" in his wheelhouse.
ESPN must not have done a regression analysis on the Baker Mayfield spreadsheet.
ESPN does not seem to realize Mayfield doesn't have "verticals" in his wheelhouse.
Don’t really care to go through the metrics of his time with his previous 3 teams, but for the majority of last season, he was far and away the worst deep ball passer in the NFL (historically bad).
It was talked about ad nauseam.
Queipo wrote an article about it, if I remember correctly.
Watching the Detroit game live, even my wife asked if I had ever seen a QB miss that many wide open receivers. It was comically bad.
He did improve at the tail end of the season, but the overwhelming majority of it was awful.
Ironically, as the line improved, the run game improved, and as you note, the deep ball improved.
Its not rocket surgery.
Part of the problem was his throwing the deep ball when the player is covered and not finding the underneath guy. That's a decision-making issue. Nobody thinks Mayfield is Matt Stafford. Mayfield isn't going to be paid $50 mil or even $40 mil. The range talked about is between $30 and $38 mil per year - big difference in the top and bottom of the range. On offense the Bucs need to continue to play complementary football, improve the middle of the O-line and the running game. Mayfield didn't turn the ball over. That's #1 on Bowles' list. So Mayfield fits what the Bucs want to do as long as his contract doesn't prevent the Bucs from building the team around him.ESPN does not seem to realize Mayfield doesn't have "verticals" in his wheelhouse.
Don’t really care to go through the metrics of his time with his previous 3 teams, but for the majority of last season, he was far and away the worst deep ball passer in the NFL (historically bad).
It was talked about ad nauseam.
Queipo wrote an article about it, if I remember correctly.
Watching the Detroit game live, even my wife asked if I had ever seen a QB miss that many wide open receivers. It was comically bad.
He did improve at the tail end of the season, but the overwhelming majority of it was awful.
What is the point where Licht says he just cant go any higher? I think it's about $35 mil for three years, two guaranteed. If another team wants to hit the $40 mil mark then I think Licht lets him go. Licht is too smart to overpay because of a bidding war. That's why I said the tag could be in play for him. The idea that Mayfield isn't in that much demand around the league - I'm not buying that. If you are a team who needs a QB now, the choices are Cousins, Minshew, Mayfield or trade a high draft pick for Fields who has two years of team control left. I think Mayfield is the preferred choice there. There are people in the league other than the Bucs who have always liked Mayfield. Some team is going to make a serious play for him.
There are people in the league other than the Bucs who have always liked Mayfield. Some team is going to make a serious play for him.
I’ve already asked this to a poster, who’s blatantly dodging, so I’ll ask you:
Where were these teams last offseason?