So I speak as a resident of Cleveland, OH and a former Browns fan for 43 years.
Baker Mayfield energized this city in his rookie year. He took over a team that went 1-31 over the previous 2 seasons before he arrived.
He dealt with a revolving door of head coaches:
CLEVELAND
Hue Jackson
Gregg Williams
Freddie Kitchens
Kevin Stefanski
CAROLINA
Matt Ruhl
Steve Wilks
LA RAMS
Sean McVay
TAMPA BAY
Todd Bowles
Outside of McVay, this list doesn't exactly make anyone forget about Vince Lombardi, no?
Add to the fact that each head coach had his own offensive coordinator.
Without any consistency in coaching and without decent talent around a QB, how is any QB (yet alone Baker Mayfield) expected to win?
His credentials in college can't be overstated enough... massive success as a walk-on and a Heisman Trophy winner.
The arm talent is certainly there and the intangibles (a leader that players instantly gravitate towards) also can't be overstated enough.
Mayfield played the entire 2021 season sans game 1 with a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder which tremendously impacted his play and he had a poor year. Adding insult to injury, the Browns (via their media sycophants) put out half-truths and blatantly false statements about his character as a leader and as a teammate to justify going after Deshaun Watson and grossly overpaying an ineffective QB.
The 2023 version of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has significant offensive talent with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
The running game is incredibly lacking.
The offensive line has been adequate for pass protection (until vs Atlanta).
The defense has been more hit than miss but definitely needs a little work.
Does Baker need to improve? Absolutely. The game against Atlanta showcased 2021 Baker Mayfield. Missed WRs, an inexcusable pass that lead to an interception and not running when he had opportunities and a clear path to do so were the lowlights of that game.
The 1st 4 games of the season showcased 2020 Baker Mayfield. Confidence, accuracy and a willingness to run hard with the ball and fight for the extra yards.
All this said, Bucs fans need to be patient with Baker Mayfield. Give the man some time and an opportunity to learn & grow in yet another new offense with a rookie coordinator in Dave Canales.
He is not THE problem on the team and you certainly can't even consider turning to Kyle Trask at this point.
Improve the running game... improve the offensive line play... and make the offense work to Mayfield's strengths and not his weakness.
Would love to hear your thoughts on Baker Mayfield - pro and con.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far LOL!