Buccaneers Legend’s Glowing Review of Baker Mayfield

Ronde Barber stands out as one of the most iconic players in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history. Boasting an impressive resume of achievements. Notably, he is the only player in NFL history to have achieved the rare distinction of recording 25+ sacks and 40+ interceptions throughout his career.

Barber’s impressive credentials also include holding the record for most sacks by a cornerback in NFL history. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and capped off his illustrious career with a Super Bowl championship. Barber spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the Buccaneers. This cemented his status as a beloved and enduring franchise icon.

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Barber’s legacy is further commemorated by his induction into the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor. As the pioneer of the modern nickel cornerback position, Barber remains closely affiliated with the franchise. He often shares his expert analysis through film breakdowns on the team’s official website and social media channels.

Barber’s latest film breakdown of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield reveals a glowing assessment, making it clear that the legendary cornerback is thoroughly impressed with Mayfield’s skills.

“This guy is awesome. And there’s so many reasons for me to describe why he is awesome but I’m going to start with the most important. It’s his attitude.”

In his analysis of Baker Mayfield’s gameplay, Ronde Barber highlighted the quarterback’s underappreciated arm strength, noting how his creative playmaking showcases this skill. Barber specifically cited a 12-yard completion to Chris Godwin on a well-defended slant route against the Eagles in Week 4, marveling at the almost impossible throw and catch, which he observed is a regular occurrence with Mayfield at the helm.

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Barber also praised Mayfield’s poise under pressure. Citing a play against the Raiders where he expertly navigated a collapsing pocket. With Maxx Crosby closing in from the right, Mayfield calmly stepped up while maintaining focus downfield, ultimately unleashing a precise, laser-like pass to Sterling Shepard for a crucial first down.

“Yes, he’s improvisational. He can get out of the pocket. He can make crazy type throws. But he’s also very fundamentally sound.” Barber continued, “Baker is a special, special quarterback. We are lucky to have this dude.”

Barber was particularly impressed by Mayfield’s incredible 4th-down conversion to Rachaad White. You remember the one in the waning moments of the Buccaneers’ Week 10 loss to the 49ers? Upon re-watching the play, Barber marveled at Mayfield’s remarkable ability to stiff-arm the formidable Nick Bosa, one of the league’s most physically dominant players, while simultaneously completing the pass to extend the drive and keep the Buccaneers’ drive alive.

“This could be easily the most ridiculous play that you’ll ever see described on film session. Baker has this ability to create some magic out of nowhere. And this is magic.”

Barber concluded his film breakdown on a high note, revisiting the memorable play from the Buccaneers’ 30-7 Week 12 victory over the New York Giants. In a display of unselfish effort, Baker Mayfield was seen sprinting 40 yards downfield to deliver a block for rookie running back Bucky Irving, who was in the midst of one of his many electrifying runs that season.

“Bucky’s doing his thing. And then look who is ahead of the pack, peeling back, making a block, getting extra yards… and who was the most excited person on the field? That would be Baker Mayfield.”

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Given his reputation, Barber is arguably as qualified as anyone to analyze quarterback play. His expertise lends significant weight to his glowing assessment of Baker Mayfield. All while providing Buccaneers fans with an added layer of confidence in their quarterback.

You can watch Ronde Barber’s in-depth film breakdown of Baker Mayfield below.