TAMPA, Fla. – Most so-called NFL media experts are predicting the Bucs to fall short of winning the NFC South. Some even have the Bucs finishing 3rd behind the Falcons and Panthers.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield doesn’t seem surprised and, in fact, welcomes it.
“It doesn’t matter,” Mayfield said after Tuesday’s Organized Team Activities.”It’s pretty much right where they had us last year. At this point, it’s pretty much expected for people to underestimate the Bucs.”
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The Bucs won their third consecutive NFC South title last year and made the playoffs. However, GM Jason Licht’s signings of Mayfield, WR Mike Evans, All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and kicker Chase McLaughlin to new deals still didn’t resonate with the prognosticators.
Tampa Bay lost 31-23 to the Lions in Detroit in the NFC Divisional Round. Mayfield says he and his teammates haven’t forgotten.
“But when you get that close, it almost makes you more hungry,” Mayfield said. When you’re just a few plays away on the road in a tough environment, knowing that it came down to a two minute drive, it’s great to see that people haven’t forgotten that. That we’re just as hungry to get back here and get to work.”
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Work they have, with all of the offensive players practicing this week, even though it’s still voluntary. All except one – starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is not participating, is waiting for a new contract and doesn’t want to risk injury. Mayfield is good friends with Wrifs.
“The guy (Wirfs) is a stud,” Mayfield said. “He took the transition from right to left (tackle) with ease, did it better than I think he thought he was going to. I know he’s probably eager to get back here and get the deal done than anybody else.”
Mayfield and the offense are learning a new system under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles is thrilled that the players have shown up even though he wouldn’t be able to hold it against any of them if they didn’t attend.
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“It’s a lot of guys that want to win,” Bowles said. “The chemistry starts here, and it continues through training camp.”
As far as Mayfield trying to get on the same page with some of the new receivers?
“He’s (Mayfield) been here all spring,” Bowles said. “It’s a new offense for them all, so Baker can help because he’s been in it before.”
Bowles was referring to Mayfield’s short time with the Rams and Coen. Mayfield says he’s thankful for his new deal, but the last thing he wants to feel is comfortable.
“You never want to feel comfortable,” Mayfield said. “Yeah, is it great that I know I’m going to be here for a couple of years? Of course. It means I get to be myself even more so and push these guys to the next level.”
Next week, the Bucs will have a three-day mandatory minicamp and then break until training camp starts in late July.
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