Mayfield brought in Coen and Sterling Shepherd, who has really stepped up with the absence of Evans and Godwin.
If you believe "player speak" he is A reason that some players resigned and he is obviously THE leader in the locker room (eg called out young WR recently) and a good leader at that.
Statistically, he is STILL near the top in multiple categories, even with the current losing run and there are multiple easier games ahead where everything will be on the line. The offenses low output was 20 points (?) but is closer to 30s most games.
The Bucs got a STEAL in signing him last year and even signed him going forward on a reasonable deal when many were worried his deal would cripple the Bucs (further)
Ironically, brought here by Bowles and may also end up being a reason the Bucs move on from Bowles at the end of this season
The Bucs offense low output this season was 7 points vs 0-2 Denver at home.
I think most are appreciating Baker. Looks like he could exceed 40 TDs this year.
and yes what he is doing without any receivers is pretty admirable.
that being said, he needs to tighten up on his turnovers the rest of the year. Talking like 3 max INTs over the next 8 games.
Unfortunately, in order for us to make playoffs we would need quite a run to finish the year. with a most likely 7-10, 8-9 finish and playoff miss...
so the question gets raised with a top 5 offense, how is this team going to have a losing record? Is it the abysmal defense or poor head coach?
Other top 5 teams you ask - Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, and Buffalo. All clear playoff teams
I agree in principle that Baker needs to reduce INT’s, but not have receivers makes that difficult. He was having a spat of them even with Mike & Chris, but pushing the ball on 3rd & long has to happen..I think most are appreciating Baker. Looks like he could exceed 40 TDs this year.
and yes what he is doing without any receivers is pretty admirable.
that being said, he needs to tighten up on his turnovers the rest of the year. Talking like 3 max INTs over the next 8 games.
Unfortunately, in order for us to make playoffs we would need quite a run to finish the year. with a most likely 7-10, 8-9 finish and playoff miss...
so the question gets raised with a top 5 offense, how is this team going to have a losing record? Is it the abysmal defense or poor head coach?
Other top 5 teams you ask - Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, and Buffalo. All clear playoff teams
While he didn’t have an INT against KC, it was because the DB’s absolutely whiffed on catching his attempted gift(s)..
it’s another frustrating sidebar to the 2024 season.
I do think he is aware of the need to take care of the football.
Like you said, we know he can be explosive, and he’s led this team to some fantastic wins this year and has a chance at achieving some accomplishments not many here were expecting from this position, post/Brady.
To your point about how our top 5 offense can have a losing record: some of that is heavily influenced by losing to top 4 offenses, better/more healthy defenses, as well as e need for players (like Baker…and especially JMac ) to make better decisions - and I especially include coaches in that assessment.
To your point about how our top 5 offense can have a losing record: some of that is heavily influenced by losing to top 4 offenses, better/more healthy defenses, as well as e need for players (like Baker…and especially JMac ) to make better decisions - and I especially include coaches in that assessment.
understood your points but we actually beat the Lions and Commanders.
Listen, i thought with a healthy Evans and Godwin, we were looking at 5-5 heading into the bye week with a 4-2 start. The win, was against the Falcons. Getting swept by them is crushing but beating the 49ers could go a long way into saving this season.
just, idk, they seem to be more talented. Could be a herculean task of a team that has owned us the last 2 times we met.
Baker's contract is amazing. Props to Licht.
Coen is making Baker look good.
Baker is also just playing well.
This team would have 2 losses with a competent head coach (and we'd still have Evans and Godwin healthy)
Regardless of how many losses Denver had when we played them, they are currently 5-4. Some close losses to winning teams, but the Ravens obliterated them.The Bucs offense low output this season was 7 points vs 0-2 Denver at home.
No Excuse that we only scored 7 points in that game. Sean Payton/Vance Joseph trickeration - and maybe a bit of a continuation of the injury bug/trap game after that Lions win?
Defense hasn’t been the same since.
The Bucs offense low output this season was 7 points vs 0-2 Denver at home.
wow . . . maybe I just had my brain protecting me from that PAINFUL memory lol
Is it the abysmal defense or poor head coach?
that is the question, right?
For some reason last season (2023) and the seaons before (2022), some posters were very resistant to the suggestion that the defense was not very good. Everyone will have read here things like "the defense was top 7 in scoring defense!"
Teams have moved the ball on the Bucs defense A BUNCH. In 2022, the DEFENSE gets totally clowned in the playoff game against Dallas. In 2023 the defense is the reason we lose against the Lions. (An uptick by the defense is part of the reason we get that far).
Why has the defense struggled? Bowles? Bowles system? Talent?
probably some of both BUT just look
2021 2024
JPP JTS (JPP's back up)
Barrett Nelson recently but Diaby
White Britt, who was probably 3RD on the 2021 depth chart
Davis McCollum (maybe an upgrade or even, but zone guy)
Dean Funderbirk/Hayes
Kancey comes in but he's been out and is just now contributing
BIG dropoffs in key positions
While I’m impressed with what Coen has done with limited resources, unless JMac breaks out in San Fran, I agree with Chris Simms, the NFL will catch on to what we’re doing, probably this week.
Getting a competent receiver to go along with Cade Otton, and then hopefully pair with a healthy Mike Evans after the bye - will help - but competent NFL defenses catch on fast.
It could change quickly - assuming you’re playing teams that can exploit it - which after SF it drops off quickly for the balance if the season. You’d definitely expect to see it should we somehow get into the playoffs.
We’re a LONG way from that right now. While the offense still has one bright spot on the horizon - I don’t see a lot of required options on the defensive roster for what ails us.
If we could get Palmer to break out as a legit threat that would help but yes Simms has a point
Baker's contract is amazing. Props to Licht.
Coen is making Baker look good.
Baker is also just playing well.
This team would have 2 losses with a competent head coach (and we'd still have Evans and Godwin healthy)
/thread
