TAMPA, Fla. – At this time last year, the Bucs were going through a quarterback competition. Not this year. Baker Mayfield is the starter, fresh off a new deal, and head coach Todd Bowles believes Mayfield is confident and ready to lead the Bucs to more than just a division title.
“Baker has the keys to the bus,” Bowles said. “He’s driving it. He’s comfortable, we’re comfortable with him. We’re both in a great place right now.”
Mayfield was on his last chance to be a starter in the NFL last season. He says that signing with the Bucs and even following the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady, didn’t deter him from getting back some of his mojo.
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Mayfield beat out Kyle Trask to earn the job and helped lead the Bucs to an NFC Divisional Round game against the Lions, which they lost. Few were predicting the Bucs and Mayfield to be that successful. Mayfield was given a 3-year $115 million dollar extension, and Bowles feels like Mayfield won’t be resting on his laurels.
“He’s (Mayfield) probably got a bigger chip (on his shoulder) now, ” Bowles said. “Baker is going to be the same every day. The guys believe in him and would run through a brick wall for him.”
Mayfield threw 28 touchdowns and only ten interceptions for more than 4,000 yards. He trimmed down this offseason and pushed for Lian Coen to be their new offensive coordinator, having worked with Coen in Los Angeles with the Rams. Mayfield is expected to talk with the media in the next couple of days.
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