Baker Mayfield: Buccaneers motivated by months of Tom Brady talk
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is among members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who heard and read preseason takes predicting that the 2023 edition of the team would plummet to the basement of the overall NFL standings now that Tom Brady is retired "for good."
Mayfield enjoyed somewhat of a victory lap after he helped the Buccaneers earn a Week 1 20-17 win at the Minnesota Vikings this past Sunday.
"It’s kind of been the motto for us the whole offseason through training camp," Mayfield told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio about Buccaneers players wanting to prove doubters wrong. "I mean, I think you guys see the narrative on the outside of what everybody’s picking against us. We know the talent and the group that we have within the locker room. That’s the most important part. So we’ll take a road win to open the season no matter what, especially in an environment like that."
Mayfield signed a one-year "prove it" contract with the Buccaneers in March, won the starting job over 2021 second-round draft pick Kyle Trask and then completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 173 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in Sunday's win. The 28-year-old also gained additional respect from his teammates via multiple gutsy rushes:
Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis and Tampa Bay wide receiver Chris Godwin are just a few of the individuals associated with the franchise who vowed before the season the team wouldn't roll over and play dead without Brady. Wirfs insisted last week that "we all have each other’s back," and the Buccaneers walked the walked to match such talk at Minnesota's U.S. Bank Stadium.
Many nevertheless remain unconvinced Mayfield can lead Tampa Bay to the playoffs as did Brady in each of the previous three seasons. As of Tuesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Buccaneers third among the NFC South's four teams at +600 odds to claim the division crown. To compare, the 1-0 New Orleans Saints topped the list at that time at +120.
Mayfield also addressed his interaction with Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. during Sunday's contest:
"Just some friendly words exchanged," Mayfield explained. "Byron and I are good. I talked to him after the game. I’m happy for him getting a better situation there in Minnesota. No, just friendly competition there."
Mayfield and the Buccaneers will look to improve to 2-0 when they welcome the 0-1 Chicago Bears to Raymond James Stadium this coming Sunday afternoon.
More must-reads: