It’s time for Scott Reynolds’ post-game 2-point conversion column. This column features two key statements, two detailed questions, and two bold predictions. Nearly all of the team’s starters played against the Ravens and helped the Bucks extend their lead to 14-7 in the first quarter. Won 26-20.
Baker Mayfield was the perfect quarterback, and both he and Kyle Trask threw touchdown passes as the Tampa Bay offense advanced to nearly 400 yards against Baltimore.
Two Important Statements
Statement 1. The Bucks Offense Is Ready
Mike Evans wasn’t seen catching a pass from starting quarterback Baker Mayfield as the Bucks rested their star receiver. But in Tampa Bay’s 26-20 win over Baltimore, Mayfield connected early with Chris Godwin, often scoring four receptions and an 11-yard touchdown to score midway through the first quarter. I was able to see the scene of tying 7 to 7.
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: USA Today
Mayfield appeared in only two series against the Ravens, completing 6-of-6 passes for 43 yards and one touchdown. In two limited preseason games, Mayfield completed 14 of 15 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
In his five preseason possessions, the Bucks have scored two touchdowns. That’s quite a percentage.
If that continues (which it probably won’t), Mayfield will lead the offense to about five touchdowns per game, or the equivalent of 35 points per game, in a typical 12-possession game. . That’s unrealistic, of course, but after averaging just 18 points per game last year under former offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, the Bucks would be happy to hit three touchdown drives every week this season.
Mayfield looks set for the season opener against the Vikings in Minnesota. Bucks head coach Todd Bowles wisely put an end to the QB race ahead of the preseason finale. This gives Mayfield a full three weeks to prepare with the starting line-up for Week 1.
Mayfield is looking incredibly comfortable in Tampa Bay as well. Not just with Dave Canales’ offense out of his pocket, but behind the revamped offensive line. The first-team attack made its debut on Saturday night and looked ready. The O-line disallowed the sack and holed Rashard White. White averaged 5.6 yards per carry and gained 39 yards on seven totes.
“I thought he was competent,” Bucks head coach Todd Bowles said. “I thought they played well together. The symmetry and chemistry was there, breaking the crowds and that was what we wanted to see. He was effective in the passing game. [and] I fell and scored. ”
Bucks RT Luke Godeke and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: USA Today
Asked if two series with Baltimore and a starter were enough for Mayfield, Bowles said yes.
“We have more than enough crops for the season,” Bowles said. “We’ve had more than enough. We’ll be playing against their top players later this year. We wanted to get the chemistry and the game action, and we got the results.” .”
It was certainly against Baltimore’s reserves, but it gave the Tampa Bay starters confidence that they could run and throw the ball effectively heading into the season, scoring a touchdown with Mayfield in charge. We were able to.
“Yeah, it’s always a question in preseason — are you playing with your mates or you’re not playing?” Mayfield said. “But we’ve also done a lot of work in practice. We’ve done a lot of good work so I think we’re ready. let’s go.”
Statement 2. Playcaller Dave Canales Looks Ready
After the Ravens took an early 7-0 lead, the Bucks fought back with a 6-play, 59-yard scoring drive that ended with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Chris Godwin. In the next offensive series, Kyle Trask replaced Mayfield as the starter and, with some help from the starting offensive line, pushed the Bucks 94 yards in 12 plays. Trask hit backup tight end David Wells for a 6-yard touchdown to quickly give the Bucks a 14-7 lead with one second left in the first quarter.
Bucks OC Dave Canales and QBs Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
With all the starters in the lineup except wide receiver Mike Evans, and with either Mayfield or Trask under center on Saturday night, the Bucks’ offense looked like a well-drained machine. . This is a tribute to new offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who played a hell of a game.
“I’m very happy with where we are offensively right now, and I think you’ve seen Dave’s groove on the play calls, and everyone is playing our game, not just Dave. I think I understood the flow of [and] That’s what we’re trying to achieve,” Mayfield said. “I think we could have used 20 play action keepers, but we wouldn’t have had one.” [work] in the [run] game. I got all the little things right today, especially on the second drive. ”
Canales has been focusing on his running game this year, which came to life on Saturday with 158 yards. Baltimore rushed for 137 yards, and it’s notable whenever a team outstrips the Ravens. Granted, a lot of the rushing yards in the game came from backups, but the Bucks totaled 51 yards on the ground in the first quarter alone, with Rachard White leading 39.
Canales coached receivers and quarterbacks in Seattle for 13 years, but being a positional coach is another thing. Setting up playbooks and calling plays in the face of game-time pressure and constant adjustments by defenses on game day is another.
There will be some challenges ahead for Canales and his attacking team this season. He may lose a chess match against a better defensive coordinator. Some games will have to put up with a poor offense and too many field goals.
Bucks OC Dave Canales – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
But against the Ravens on Saturday night, there was never a moment to question Canales’ play calling. The whole decision seemed logical, even if it wasn’t properly executed by the players on the field. Nothing seemed predictable.
Canales seemed more than capable as a play-caller as the Bucks offense racked up 385 yards and 26 points, even though the starter only played about a quarter. Heading into the season opener, Canales should have a lot of confidence in his ability to call plays — even if it’s only the third time this August.
More importantly, everyone in the Bucks organization should feel comfortable with Canales’ play calling after Saturday night.
“In terms of operations, I think it was very clean,” Mayfield said. “I am really satisfied. [with] The first group… that’s what we’ve been talking about all spring, OTA, and communication now that we’re in training camp – make sure everyone is on the same page.When you throw everyone out at your first live [game], I think I saw what happens. Good things happen when we all have the same perception. We need to keep it going and understand that it is the most important thing. ”
2 Detailed questions
Question 1. How was Tristan Wirfs’ left tackle?
Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
After playing the first three years of his Tampa Bay career as a right tackle at the Pro Bowl and All-Pro levels, Tristan Wirfs dominated the left tackle in his preseason debut. Wirfs was a force in the run game, as he opened two holes for Rashard White’s two 9-yard gains. Wirfs effortlessly pushed past 305-pound defensive tackle Reishad Nichols for White’s second big run.
He was extremely muscular in pass protection, shutting out three pass rushers: David Ohabo, Tavius Robinson and Jeremiah Moon. None of them even came close to Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. When Malik Harrison jumped up and tried to land a 6-yard touchdown pass to Trask tight end David Wells, Wirfs resembled the Incredible Hulk, slamming the electrifying linebacker with a “Hulk Smash!” I quickly threw it to the ground. fashion.
In 21 games with the Ravens, Wirfs received an 89.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, including a run-blocking grade of 91.2. In Week 1, he will face a tougher test as he faces a more capable and experienced edge rusher. Daniel Hunter and Marcus Davenport of Minnesota. But Wirfs did pass the first test at left tackle with flying colors.
Question 2. Which depth player stood out against the Ravens?
Defensive tackle Will Golston and defensive back Dee Delaney stood out on defense, while wide receiver Rakim Jarrett and tight end David Wells did well on offense. Golston had a game high of 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In fact, in training camp and preseason, he played better defensive tackle than Logan Hall at times, even though he slowed down a bit at 30. However, his experience could make a big difference, and Goulston took advantage of the inexperience of the Ravens’ backup crew to make the big night.
Bucks TE David Wells – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Delaney started in free safety in place of the injured Antoine Winfield Jr. and became the second highest graded defender with a PFF grade of 84.1. Delaney scored a crucial pass breakup on third down in the first quarter to force a punt, but could start as a free safety in Week 1 if Winfield isn’t available.
For the second straight game, Jarrett led the Bucks in receiving, this time with four catches for 48 yards. Despite missing the preseason opener against Pittsburgh, his seven catches for 126 yards was the most in a preseason in Tampa Bay. Jarrett will join the team as an undrafted free agent.
Wells was impressive against the Ravens, catching just one pass for a 6-yard touchdown. He showed that he can block effectively and even performed better in that category than Ko Kiev did on Saturday night. Wells will be on the 53-man roster and should have more minutes than fifth-round pick Payne Durham.
2 Bold Predictions
Prediction 1. Chase McLaughlin is going to have a great year
Bucks K. Chase McLaughlin – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Before signing Ryan Sacop, who helped the Bucks win Super Bowl LV in 2020, finding a good kicker was a nightmare for general manager Jason Licht. It was hard to say goodbye to the aged 36-year-old Sakop, but Licht may have found a younger and better man in Chase McLaughlin.
The former Colts kicker delivered a flawless preseason performance, beating Rodrigo Blankenship for the kicking job. On Saturday, McLaughlin made 4-of-4 field goals from 47, 27, 38 and 48 yards to score both extra points. In addition to a 48-yard field goal, he made two extra-point attempts against the Steelers and his only PAT against the Jets. McLaughlin seems destined for a big year in Tampa Bay.
Prediction 2. Canales/Mayfield duo will outperform Leftwich/Brady
It’s hard to believe that a first-year playcaller and seasoned quarterback would be more successful in Tampa Bay than a Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator and all-time great quarterback. But that’s what happens this year.
The Dave Canales-Baker Mayfield duo will score more points this season than Byron Leftwich and Tom Brady, who averaged just 18 points per game for the Bucks last year.
just watch.
