Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis recalls the moment he saw a shift in Baker Mayfield as the quarterback entered his second year with the team.
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis recalls the moment he saw a shift in Baker Mayfield as the quarterback entered his second year with the team.
During the start of training camp in July, Mayfield was quickly flushed from the pocket on a particular play. But instead of looking for the first down marker or rushing toward the sideline, he kept his eyes downfield and completed a pass.
“Last year, in a lot of those situations…he would have run and tried to get the yards himself,” Lewis told ESPN. “Just get out of bounds.”
While Mayfield scrambled for 171 yards last season, he only attempted 40 passes on the move—ranking 25th in the league—completing 21 of them as his chemistry with wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, and tight end Cade Otton was still developing.
“[Now] he’s moving in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield, and making plays on the run, which I think is one of his best attributes,” Lewis said. “… That forces the defense to play more honestly, accounting for an extra player they didn’t anticipate. … I thought, ‘OK, he’s taking that next step.'”
This preparation has been crucial not just for Mayfield but for the Bucs as a whole—taking the next step.
Last season, he set personal bests with a 64.3% completion rate, 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 1.8% interception rate. He led the team to an NFC South title and recorded two of the franchise’s four highest postseason passing yardage totals.
Mayfield also became the first Buccaneer to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a playoff game, achieving 337 yards and three touchdowns in a 32-9 wild-card win against the Philadelphia Eagles, and 349 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-23 divisional-round loss to the Detroit Lions.
“He was very focused last year,” said general manager Jason Licht. “There’s a different gleam in his eye now, maybe because he’s a father. Not that he wasn’t mature before, but it seems like he has more to prove, which I love. I love when people doubt him—it energizes the entire team.”
Last offseason, Mayfield spent most of training camp learning a new offense while competing for a starting job and trying to revive his career, with Tampa Bay being his fourth team in a single year.
“Listen, I love a good adventure. It was fun hopping around, seeing a lot of the U.S., but it feels really good,” said his wife, Emily, about finally having a stable home in Tampa.
**IT’S UNDENIABLY MAYFIELD’S TEAM NOW**, which is why the Buccaneers involved him in the selection of their offensive coordinator before signing him to a three-year, $100 million contract to keep him in Tampa.
“For me, it’s reassuring to know I’m here for a longer period, but that doesn’t mean we should be satisfied,” Mayfield said.
“We still think about how far we got last year, where we could’ve been, and the ups and downs. Every season is different, but reflecting on where we were at this point last year, I think we have a stronger identity now. So, it’s really about attacking it and going after what we’re working for. I feel good about where we are.”
This is also why the Buccaneers strengthened the interior offensive line with two draft picks, including first-round center Graham Barton, and two free agent signings (Ben Bredeson won the starting left guard job while Sua Opeta went to injured reserve). They also selected wide receiver Jalen McMillan in the third round and added extra insurance at running back with Bucky Irving in the fourth.
Most importantly, they ensured that Pro Bowlers Tristan Wirfs and Mike Evans remained with the team by securing new deals for them.
“He’s done well,” new offensive coordinator Liam Coen told ESPN. “He’s gotten us into good looks. Sometimes it’s a lot on his plate, but he’s managed the checks and audibles at the line of scrimmage nicely.”
Mayfield has appeared comfortable in Coen’s offense, despite having more responsibility compared to last year under Dave Canales. Instead of being limited to two plays to check at the line of scrimmage based on the defense, Mayfield now has three options, allowing him to get the right play against the right defense. This makes it even more important for the quarterback and receivers to be on the same page.
“That’s why it was crucial for me to go through the entire offseason program with the system and everyone else learning it from the beginning. We’ve had a lot of reps at this point,” Mayfield said, noting that the biggest help from Coen has been “never feeling restricted at the line of scrimmage.”
“He has given me all the possible answers—it’s about getting up there and making the right checks,” Mayfield said.
“Processing that information quickly is what he emphasizes in the QB room, ensuring we are in a good position. ‘If it doesn’t look right, get out of it. You have the power to do so.'”
Mayfield, heading into his second year with Tampa Bay, is fully aware that this is his team. **Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images**
Coen, who worked with Mayfield during his five-game stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, noted that the biggest change he’s seen is in Mayfield’s composure.
“I would say it’s his calmness and ability to handle everything,” Coen said. “He’s completely in control and confident. … He’s still trying to prove himself, but he’s also comfortable, which is a good thing.”
MAYFIELD AND THE STARTERS didn’t see much action in the preseason, but in his lone series during the final game, he completed 3-of-3 passes for 54 yards. This included a highlight-reel 28-yard completion to McMillan in double coverage, followed by a 4-yard touchdown run by Rachaad White on the next play.
This accomplishment met a goal set by Mayfield and the offense: scoring on their first possession of the preseason—something they failed to do all last season.
“We talked all offseason about needing to start faster,” Mayfield said. “We’re going to have a great defense, so jumping out early is important to set the tone. We need to be efficient from the start. We don’t need to wait until we’re hit in the mouth to figure things out.”
Mayfield also believes many of their issues last year, up until midway through the season, stemmed from a lack of identity, which he now believes is their versatility.
Their ground game showed promise in the preseason, with running backs averaging 4.1 yards per carry after averaging a league-worst 3.4 yards last season.
They’ll continue to utilize White in the passing game—a focus that only began in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills last season. Godwin has returned to the slot, where he’s been most productive as the Bucs’ No. 2 wide receiver. His 236 receptions from the slot are the third-most of any receiver in the league since 2019.
The offense has been energized with more motion—both pre-snap and at the snap.
According to ESPN Statistics & Information, the Bucs used motion on 42.8% of their snaps in 2023, ranking 25th in the NFL. They’re also incorporating more motion into their run game. For example, in the third preseason game, McMillan came across the back of the formation on a fake jet sweep as Mayfield handed the ball off to White.
“We didn’t do much of that in the past,” Godwin said. “We sprinkled it in, but it wasn’t the last coaching staff’s philosophy. So, we had to adjust to it, and we’re still working through the kinks, but it’s something they like to do.”
Still, Mayfield is the one running the show, ensuring all the new wrinkles and philosophies connect.
He has made it a point to keep everyone on the same page. During camp, he frequently sought out his receivers after a series to share feedback. It’s a two-way street, as well.
“There’s no doubt about who the guy is. He knows it’s his team, and he acts accordingly,” Godwin said. “Not in an arrogant way, but understanding the level of communication needed between him and the rest of the guys about where we need to be, improving specific plays, or communicating things he and Liam talk about so we’re all aligned.”
Lewis said that while Mayfield has always been a “natural-born leader,” he’s able to show it more now that he has a year under his belt with the organization.
He’s set to dig in and kick off Year 2 against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 8 at Raymond James Stadium.
“When you’re in a ‘prove it’ state of mind, and you’ve been let go a couple of times, you just keep your head down and grind,” Lewis said. “Now he’s the guy who knows this is his locker room, and he’s bringing guys along with him.
“He’s getting everyone on the same page. You can see the confidence level and the weight lifted off his shoulders—he’s found a home, and this is his home.”
