The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 NFL season.
Their 9-8 record is nothing to go crazy about, but they have already exceeded the expectations that most people had for them.
New quarterback Baker Mayfield is one of the main reasons why.
Mayfield has displayed his trademark toughness throughout the season and has guided Tampa Bay to the NFC South title and an unexpected playoff berth.
Replacing the legendary Tom Brady is no easy task – and Mayfield has a very long ways to go to match Brady’s impact on-the-field … But if you ask All-Pro offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs, Mayfield has already filled the leadership avoid left by TB12.
As a matter of fact, Wirfs made it clear to Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times that he is already closer with Mayfield than he ever was with Brady.
“I had a relationship with Tom, but it wasn’t like the relationship I have with Bake,” Wirfs stated. “It’s just different. It’s hard to explain, you know? Tom was like more of a – not a coach – but as a 21-year-old kid seeing Tom Brady (in 2020), that’s how I looked at him. I’m not going to go out and have beers with Tom … So, it’s just a little bit different in that regard.”
ICYMI: “I had a relationship with Tom (Brady), but it wasn’t like the relationship I have with Baker,” Tristan Wirfs said. “…I’m not going to go out and have beers with Tom, you know?” Relatable Baker Mayfield was perfect QB to follow Tom Brady with Bucs https://t.co/nJ8UKNsgId
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 30, 2023
Mayfield, facing a critical juncture in his NFL career after stints in Cleveland and Carolina, has embraced his new challenge with determination.
He’s thrown for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns and looks revitalized and rejuvenated on the field – and has impressed his teammates off of it…
What has #Bucs WR Mike Evans learned about QB Baker Mayfield since becoming teammates?
“He’s a much cooler guy than I thought he was…” pic.twitter.com/631M3RPZID
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) January 4, 2024
Linebacker Devin White commended Mayfield’s impact on the team, stating: “He’s a guy who wants to win, and he’s got something to prove. That’s the mentality of this team. Coming into the season, nobody believed in us.”
Buccaneers quarterbacks with a passer rating higher than 90 in a season (atleast 480 pass attempts):
2020, 2021, 2022 Tom Brady
2023 Baker MayfieldThat's it, that's the list pic.twitter.com/JsYHUbHrT6
— Aidin (@Curry_Kliq) January 3, 2024
What do you think of the bounce-back season that Mayfield has had?
He may be a little banged up, but what do you think of the Bucs chances this postseason?
Will they beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday???