The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Baker Mayfield Finally the Real Deal?

Have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally created the ideal environment for Baker Mayfield to fulfill the expectations that came with being the No. 1 overall pick in 2018? For many, that argument seems increasingly valid. Mayfield’s performance this season has far exceeded the expectations the Buccaneers likely had when they signed him to a contract extension through 2026. So far, this decision appears to be paying off. With an impressive 28.8 points per game, Tampa Bay ranks fifth in the league which is more than a full touchdown better than last season’s 21.2 points per game.

Has Baker Mayfield’s Hype Train Gained Traction in Tampa, or Will It Derail Like It Did in Cleveland?

Baker Mayfield’s individual statistics have been equally impressive. He currently has posted a 71.4% completion rate, 2,389 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a QB rating of 105.6. To put that into perspective, Lamar Jackson has thrown 22 touchdowns with just two interceptions, while Patrick Mahomes has 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Both Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are former NFL MVPs, highlighting how well Mayfield has been playing this season.

While it’s true that Mayfield has benefited from one of the NFL’s top wide receiver duos in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both of whom can certainly boost any quarterback’s stats. Baker has also shown some dual-threat ability, rushing for 189 yards and two touchdowns. The combination of top-tier receivers and his own playmaking ability has reignited hope among his fans that the hype surrounding his draft status might finally be legitimate, instead of the “bust” label some in Cleveland once placed on him.

That said, it’s still too early to include Mayfield in MVP discussions, but his performance has certainly made it possible to compare his numbers to those of previous league MVPs. If Baker can maintain this level of success without the duo of Godwin and Evans leading up to the playoffs, he could certainly find himself in the MVP conversation down the road.

The “hype train” that started in Cleveland may have derailed, then sputtered along with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, but it seems to have found its rhythm in Tampa Bay. With his current stats, Mayfield is already outperforming the final season of the great Tom Brady, whose last year with the Bucs saw him throw 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Given his current pace, Mayfield is on track to surpass those numbers in the next few games, barring any setbacks.

For now, the question remains: will Baker continue to build on this success and turn the hype into lasting excellence, or will he regress and fall back into the “bust” narrative that followed him in Cleveland? Only time will tell, but both his fans and the Tampa Bay faithful are hoping the hype proves to be legitimate.