TAMPA, Fla. – In 2020 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went all-in on a Super Bowl run by enticing Tom Brady to leave the Patriots. Brady went on to prove that he could thrive away from Foxboro but there was also a feeling that Tampa were living on borrowed time due to his age. They reached the promised land and won the Lombardi trophy, but how have they adapted to the inevitable comedown that followed?
Much Needed Change in 2020
Change was needed in 2020. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have been with the New England Patriots since 2000. After two decades of working together, the relationship had tarnished, and the legendary QB wanted a change. Meanwhile, the Bucs were tarnishing their reputation and were never included in the best odds to win the Super Bowl as the years went on. They hadn’t played in the post-season in 2007, and at the end of an ill-fated 2019 season that finished 7-9, the Glazer Family decided to recruit Brady. The move paid off in the short term as the franchise got a massive lift, going from a losing campaign to winning the 2020 Super Bowl with Brady becoming the season MVP.
The Subsequent Years of Brady with the Bucs
2021, in some ways, was a better season for Tampa Bay; they had a better overall record with 13-4 for the year and topped the NFC South, two metrics they were worse in the prior year they won the Super Bowl. Call it misfortune or bad luck; they just came up against an inspired LA Rams team in the divisional playoffs to stop any chance of them retaining the championship.
However, by 2022, it was clear that Brady’s best days were over. He played in all 17 games of the regular season and finished with an 8-9 record, which was just enough to reach the Wild Card playoffs, which they lost. After this, Brady decided to retire, calling time on his 20+ year NFL career.
Baker Mayfield Steps In
After Tom Brady announced he’d be leaving the sport, Tampa Bay had to find a suitable replacement for the iconic QB who has defined success in the sport for so long. Enter Baker Mayfield for the 2023 season. The 2018 No.1 draft pick failed to make a meaningful difference with the Cleveland Browns and didn’t set the league alight with his short tenures with either the Carolina Panthers or the Los Angeles Rams.
Mayfield was seen as a low-key option, given his prior performances. He was stepping into the giant shoes that Brady left behind, which arguably no player could fill. The Texan QB, however, was able to produce his best season, playing without the pressure – knowing he wouldn’t replace Brady’s legend. Four thousand forty-four passing yards and throwing 28 touchdowns made him one of the better playmakers of the season. Even with a 9-8 record, the Bucs still topped the NFC South, defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card, and only lost by a few points in the Divisional Playoffs. While Mayfield had his critics before, they were silenced by this Pro Bowl-level performance throughout the season. Mayfield agreed on a new contract in March 2024, keeping him with the Bucs for three more years.
Great Start to 2024 Season
So, how is that new contract treating the Bucs and Mayfield? Well, they are 2-1 for the season, which isn’t a terrible start. The opening game, however, was a total masterclass from Baker. He orchestrated the Raymond James Stadium, and the attacking efforts paid dividends against a hapless Washington Commanders, throwing four touchdowns on the day.
Since then, his performances have certainly dropped a bit. He threw one touchdown and one interception in the win against the Detroit Lions. He did the same against the Denver Broncos; however, the team came up short in that match and the best sports betting odds don’t seem to list them as credible Super Bowl contenders for this year at least.
The Bucs will need Mayfield to be the best version of himself (as shown in the game against the Commanders) if they are to excel and prosper this season. This means turning up in crucial NFC South rivalries against the New Orleans Saints, his former team, the Carolina Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons. All six of those upcoming games will determine whether Tampa Bay goes to the postseason. Mayfield needs to fire all cylinders to ensure they can take advantage of these opportunities.
Throwing to Mike Evans
While Mayfield might have come in recently and become one of the favoured players, Mike Evans has been grafting away at hero status for ten years. The storied wide receiver has been with the franchise for the rough and smooth, the barren days of no playoffs through the Brady era and is still receiving plays now.
Evans has a good working relationship with Mayfield. Last season, he made 79 receptions with him—more than he ever did with Brady! These led to 13 touchdowns, which inevitably won games. If these two stay on the same page, the Bucs can keep climbing the ranks.
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