When wanting on the inconceivable journey Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield has been on within the NFL, I’m reminded of a viral clip of actor Paul Rudd showing on the sequence Sizzling Ones.
“‘Hey, have a look at us, have a look at us!’” Rudd says. “‘Who would have thought? Not me!’”
That precisely sums up the place Mayfield and Tampa Bay stand two weeks into the common season. Off the heels of a 20-16 win over the Lions, almost nobody thought the crew would return to city trying to dig in and get off to a 3-0 begin.
To get so far, Baker Mayfield has been main the cost and shortly altering the minds of those that as soon as doubted his means to be a beginning quarterback. As he captains the ship of a gritty ballclub, the tide is beginning to flip in his favor.
GMFB’s Peter Schrager: “I Like That Baker Took The Street Much less Traveled”
Throughout a latest section on Good Morning Soccer, NFL Community’s Peter Schrager mentioned how his thoughts has modified on Baker Mayfield.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
“I really like Baker, and what, I wasn’t the most important Baker fan that first yr [with the Browns] when he was given the world,” Schrager mentioned. “Each endorsement, far and wide, after which in fact put within the NFL 100 business after one season, which was like the final word honor. He and [Tom] Brady hanging out. I form of like that Baker took the street much less traveled.”
Schrager then went on to say if there may be one participant within the league he might have dinner with proper now, it’s Mayfield.
With Mayfield’s play starting to match the lofty expectations he had popping out of Oklahoma, he has received over the likes of Schrager and numerous others across the business.
Baker Mayfield is in such a very good place. Love that for him.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 15, 2024
Legendary NFL head coach Invoice Belichick isn’t recognized for being somebody who heaps a ton of reward, however even he not too long ago admitted his admiration for the resurgent signal-caller.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Calls Baker Mayfield A High-10 QB “Proper Now”
Love or hate him, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is likely one of the greatest sports activities media personalities round. Identified for his sizzling takes (that may be outlandish at instances), the one he not too long ago had about Baker Mayfield was not.
When requested on First Take whether or not Mayfield was a top-10 quarterback, here’s what Smith mentioned.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Completed former NFL quarterback turned ESPN analyst Alex Smith mentioned earlier than the Bucs-Lions sport that he felt Tampa Bay might pull it off due to the man below heart.
“For those who activate the movie from Week 1, if we needed to title an MVP from Week 1, it was Baker Mayfield,” Smith mentioned. “He seemed unbelievable. This was essentially the most decisive participant I’ve seen — [the] most decisive Baker Mayfield I’ve seen in his total profession. The ball was popping out so quick, chunk play after chunk play. He was unbelievable in situational soccer. Within the pink zone, threw 4 touchdowns. On third down, made some nice performs along with his ft.
“The factor I’m enthusiastic about truthfully was — they misplaced their offensive coordinator in [Dave] Canales going to the Panthers. I feel just a little bit, this was addition by subtraction. I really like that they introduced in Liam Coen. He was with Baker on the Rams when he had his stint in LA. I feel that is such a very good match. I feel they go up there and have an opportunity to win this factor outright.”
Smith was proper.
The “Smartest Play” In Week 2? Baker Mayfield’s Gritty Landing Run
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Baker Mayfield was not as flashy towards the Lions as was dealing with the Commanders, however he nonetheless acquired the job completed by making some well timed performs.
Kay Adams, host of the Up & Adams present, had former Panthers linebacker Luke Keuchly on as a visitor Monday. Adams requested Keuchly what the neatest play was in Week 2, and he mentioned one such play.
Mayfield’s designed quarterback draw within the third quarter which resulted in an 11-yard landing as Tampa Bay shortly reclaimed the lead over Detroit. His breakdown is value watching.
The thirty third Workforce’s Sam Monson summarized what it’s like watching Mayfield to the tee.
“There’s one thing about him that’s underdog Rocky-like that you just wish to root for, proper?” Monson mentioned. “Going up towards Apollo Creed.”
Monson went on.
“You at all times really feel like he’s nearly to do one thing loopy… Baker’s acquired that even when he’s dialed in and within the zone.”
You’ll not catch Baker Mayfield throwing punches, however he helped ship a knockout blow to the Lions that has despatched shockwaves all through the NFL and has put individuals on discover. Individuals who as soon as forged doubt are actually alongside for the trip, and what a wild one it has been for a quarterback who has rode the waves to success with the Bucs.
