Baker Mayfield enters this season in a completely different position than he was a year ago.
Whether it was the 180-degree turn his career took after coming into his own with the Buccaneers last season, the financial changes after securing a long-term contract to remain in Tampa Bay or the personal changes following the birth of his first daughter with wife Emily, a number of variables contributed to Mayfield finding the career stability that eluded him during his time in the NFL.
And yet, he remains as hungry as ever.
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, is coming off his first Pro Bowl season and wants to win a championship.
Baker Mayfield is ready to attack this season and is “happy” with where the Bucks are.
![Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield still not satisfied Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield - Photo by Cliff Welch P/R](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Baker-Cool-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Baker Mayfield is well established with the Buccaneers and the city of Tampa, but don’t assume the team’s quarterback is happy.
Mayfield is on the rise and is eager to reunite with offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, who was hired this offseason and worked with him when he played for the Rams in 2022. The veteran quarterback is expected to be at the center of the team as it tries to establish its identity. The team is only as good as its quarterback plays, and he knows he’s the one who holds it together.
“I continue to be the same guy every day for these people. [and] “To everybody in the building,” Mayfield said of how he wants to leave his mark, “continue to lead in the best way that I can. Obviously, I had that experience with Liam. [Coen] Before and this system, and that’s the offseason. [purpose] “Continue to coach and learn from the players through this process. For me, certainly, it’s a relief to be here a long time, but we can’t be complacent.”
“We’re still thinking about how far we went last year, where we could have been, the ups and downs and all that. Every season is different, but when you always look back at where we were at this time last year, I think we have a better identity. So now it’s just a matter of really working at it and getting what we’re after. I’m happy with where we are right now.”
![Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield still not satisfied Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and WR Jalen McMillan](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mayfield-Baker-Jalen-McMillan-Bucs-camp-discuss-300x200.jpg)
![Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield still not satisfied Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and WR Jalen McMillan](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mayfield-Baker-Jalen-McMillan-Bucs-camp-discuss-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and WR Jalen McMillan – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
The Buccaneers’ offense still has plenty of weapons at each level — Mayfield, running back Rachad White, wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and left tackle Tristan Wirfs — and they’ll be bolstered by some rookie recruits. Including new starting center Graham Barton.running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Jalen McMillan.
Considering all these factors, it’s easy to see why Mayfield believes the group’s greatest strength is its versatility and ability to adapt to any situation.
“Versatility,” Mayfield said, “with a better running game, returning some receivers and adding some guys in the skill group department, I think versatility is going to be our biggest asset. We’re going to line up and let teams decide how they’re going to defend us. Our guys have to be able to react to that and adapt. We’re teaching the game right now, and I think our guys can handle it.”
Liam Cohen helps Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers offense ‘play fast and free’ in 2024
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Liam Cohen “Knowledge, swag and style.” Cohen joined the Buccaneers offense as offensive coordinator, and while Baker Mayfield didn’t comment on Cohen’s authority, he did say the new play-caller gave him the answers and the ability to take things up a notch.
![Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield still not satisfied Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and OC Liam Cohen](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mayfield-Baker-Liam-Coen-Bucs-camp-throw-closeup-300x201.jpg)
![Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield still not satisfied Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and OC Liam Cohen](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mayfield-Baker-Liam-Coen-Bucs-camp-throw-closeup-300x201.jpg)
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and OC Liam Cohen – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
The offense is expected to improve this season, and not just in terms of personnel makeup. Cohen has play-calling experience and valuable insight into how an NFL offense operates, and working under Rams head coach Sean McVay is a great fit. His basic attacking concept It allows playmakers to get into position to make plays.
“I never felt handcuffed at the line of scrimmage,” Mayfield said of Cohen’s help. “He gave me every answer I could possibly think of. [it’s] Being out there and making the right checks. Being able to process that information really quickly is something he’s emphasized over and over again in the QB room, to get us in a good position: “If it doesn’t look right, get out of there. You have the power to do that. I’m teaching you that. Go out there and execute it and get us in a good position to be successful.”
“It’s always a good feeling to not be tied down at the line of scrimmage, but you’ve got to know where it’s going to take you. So the preparation is where he really gets us prepared and makes sure we’re all on the same page as far as the whole offense. He wants us to be in control of it, communicating with the guys, ‘When I see a certain look, this is what I’m going to do,’ and allowing them to play fast and free.”
Baker Mayfield has high hopes for where he can take the Buccaneers This seasonThe added comfort and change of lifestyle hasn’t dampened Mayfield’s enthusiasm, and that passion, combined with Liam Cohen’s increased freedom on offense, should make this a team that explodes with points in the regular season.