It can be a daunting challenge for a new quarterback to follow in the footsteps of great quarterbacks. But it’s pretty scary when you follow in the footsteps of a legend, especially Tom, an icon like his Brady who led the Bucks to consecutive divisions in the Super Bowl and his championship in Tampa Bay.Still, no challenge is too hard for the Bucks’ new quarterback Baker Mayfield. No situation is too intimidating for the former Heisman Trophy winner and 2018 1st overall pick.
Mayfield is a little humbled by being on his fourth team in just over a year, but he comes to Tampa Bay feeling confident and confident enough to follow in Brady’s footsteps.
“Listen, I’m never going to be Tom Brady,” Mayfield said at his introductory press conference in Tampa on Monday. There’s a reason, he’s definitely the greatest player of all time, I’m not trying to be Tom, I’m trying to be me.
Bucs QB Tom Brady and WR Mike Evans – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
“We’re going to do it differently, but that’s what makes this league special. Those who have played with him on are going to pick their brains for what he did – no doubt about it. After all, it is a successful organization and following someone like that is special.
One thing Mayfield and Brady have in common is the fact that both quarterbacks had talented receiving troops to throw to Tampa Bay. Have the opportunity to play in pairs of 1,000-yard receivers Mike Evans And five-time Pro Bowler Chris Godwin helped draw Mayfield to the Bucks.
“Anytime you play with a playmaker like that, it obviously makes your job easier,” Mayfield said. “They are very experienced and have seen a lot, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play with them and Russell. [Gage Jr.] likewise. Obviously, it was a big decision for him to stay. I would like to meet and work with such people. ”
Baker Mayfield excited to learn Dave Canales’ system
Baker Mayfield became the face of the Cleveland franchise after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2018. In 2020, he helped the Browns return to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Cleveland expected Mayfield’s arm to carry the offense, and he didn’t have many talented weapons to throw. With four different head coaches in four years, it’s no wonder Mayfield struggled to find consistent success in Cleveland.
Bucs OC Dave Canales – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Mayfield spent the 2022 season in Carolina after the Panthers traded him over the summer and in Los Angeles after the Rams waived him in December. Mayfield is now coordinating his seventh offensive with Tampa Bay’s new playcaller Dave Canales. After meeting with Canales, Mayfield was impressed with his vision for the offense and his role as a quarterback.
“In my short period of knowing Dave so far, just understanding who he is and how he tries to tailor his offense to his playmaker, it says a lot.” “There are a lot of people out there who just want to run the system without actually trying to play player attributes, but that’s not Dave.
“I’m excited about it. He wants to see how his philosophy affects people here. That’s the best part. This is a time of growth and I’m It’s time to learn what type of team we’re going to be and when you put the pads on it really pays off.I’m excited and he’s open minded.”
Although he only spent a few weeks at the end of the season with the Rams offense, Mayfield said some could carry over to the new Bucks offense. Bring it to Tampa Bay. Seahawks Offensive His coordinator Shane Waldron spent time with Sean McVay in LA and took in a lot of what the Rams like to do offensively by running multiple plays from just a few formations. .
“I think it’s possible, yes,” Mayfield said. “In terms of terminology, I think there are some similarities. That’s the beauty of this part of .How does it align with playmakers?It can be anything.To win in this league you have to be able to run a run game.We’re there. We’ll go out and see what happens.”
Baker Mayfield doesn’t hesitate to race for the right to follow Tom Brady in Tampa
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: USA Today
Baker Mayfield appears on the ground floor of the new Playbook installation. He’s on equal footing with quarterbacks competing for his first job, QB Kyle his Trask in his third year. Mayfield is looking forward to the competition.
“I haven’t spoken to Kyle yet,” Mayfield said. “I’ve watched him in college over the years. I’ve always been a big fan. I thought he was really talented. I’m excited about it – for me, Competition brings out the best in everyone. I have always believed in that.
“This applies to all sports. It teaches you how to compete, it teaches you how to win and lose correctly. There’s a learning process in it. Kyle and I push each other no matter what happens.” I think we will get along and make the most of it.”
Mayfield is ready to make the most of his chances in Tampa Bay and is embracing the chance to be the man to follow Brady – not backing down.
