Analysts share bold take on Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield, Tom Brady

NFL Network personality Rich Eisen and former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee are among those who believe quarterback Baker Mayfield is offering more to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season than what living legend Tom Brady gave the franchise during the 2022 campaign. 

"Baker Mayfield has found (wide receiver) Mike Evans way more than Tom Brady did last year," Eisen said during Monday's edition of his "The Rich Eisen Show," as shared by the JoeBucsFan website. "I’m just saying that the offense is far more efficient and successful right now."

According to ESPN stats, Mayfield ended Week 15 of the ongoing season tied for 16th in the NFL among qualified players with a 54.9 adjusted QBR, ninth with a 94.7 passer rating and tied for eighth with 24 passing touchdowns. To compare, Brady ended his final regular season ranked 18th with 54.6 adjusted QBR, 18th with a 90.7 passer rating and tied for eighth with 25 touchdown passes. 

It also can't be forgotten that Brady's off-the-field issues allegedly caused distractions for the Buccaneers throughout the 2022 campaign. 

"Compared to Tom Brady at this time last season, Baker Mayfield has more yards per attempt, a better touchdown-to-interception ratio, a higher QBR and a better record," McAfee added during his "The Pat McAfee Show" that airs on ESPN, per JoeBucsFan. "This guy’s playing better than Tom Brady."

With Brady, the 2022 Buccaneers won the NFC South title with a record of 8-9 before Tampa Bay was thrashed 31-14 by the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Mayfield currently has the 7-7 Bucs atop the division standings via tiebreaker advantage. 

While Brady turned 45 years old in August 2022, Mayfield is only 28 and, thus, potentially hasn't reached his ceiling as it pertains to playing at the highest level. The first pick of the 2018 NFL Draft wants to stay in Tampa beyond the expiration of the one-year "prove it" contract he signed this past offseason, but he could become more expensive for either his current employer or a different club if he adds at least a second career playoff victory to his résumé in January.