“We’re Gonna Shock a Lot of People” – Baker Mayfield Sends Stern Message to Critics Doubting the Bucs

Analysts predict that Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to struggle in the 2026 season.

“We’re Gonna Shock a Lot of People” – Baker Mayfield Sends Stern Message to Critics Doubting the Bucs

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

Over the years, Baker Mayfield has proven that he is one of the few who flourish when positioned as the underdog. Whether it was his time in college or even in the NFL, he loves to prove his doubters wrong.

That is what led him to have a phenomenal career resurgence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At a time when the Cleveland Browns made him the scapegoat of their struggles, everyone felt that his career was done.

Then, when he moved around as a potential backup signal-caller, those narratives stuck. But after his stellar showing with the Los Angeles Rams, he deservedly won the starting job for the Bucs, and his three years in Florida have proved that he is no pushover.

However, the franchise has not exactly lit the gridiron on fire. In three seasons with Mayfield leading the line, they have lost a Divisional Round game, a Wild Card game, and did not even make it to the postseason last year.

With its roster not significantly better, and also losing Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers, not many are hopeful of the Bucs making any kind of noise against improved competition.

I think we’re gonna shock a lot of people this year… Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record, so we’ll see.

Baker Mayfield told reporters

The first part is the quarterback being at his cocky best, making it clear that his team will shut up their doubters. The second part of his answer indicates how Baker Mayfield is aware that critics have them posting a losing season. History has shown that the 31-year-old is known to rise above the doubts, which is exactly why he had that kind of response.

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Baker Mayfield’s team tends to follow his lead

While his doubters might dismiss this as coming from someone who always talks more than necessary, Peter Schrager appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and revealed how the Buccaneers follow Baker Mayfield‘s lead.

Baker Mayfield was the Pied Piper. He was the guy that everyone followed… That’s the stuff you can’t see on film.

Peter Schrager revealed

The ESPN analyst detailed how conversations with various people in and around the franchise proved that the 31-year-old is a true leader and ensures the entire team stays connected as one unit.

That is an intangible trait that helps a team compete collectively towards the goal. If Mayfield leads by example and makes his teammates feel welcome, the positivity, even after losses, helps them overcome adversity.

Now, if the signal caller is saying this in front of the media, there is a chance that his teammates will listen to this sound bite and get that extra motivation that they need. It could be the difference between a winning and losing season.

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Baker Mayfield has high praise for Kenneth Gainwell

This stern message was not the only interesting bit of Baker Mayfield’s conversations with reporters. One of them asked the Texas native what he thought of free-agent signing Kenneth Gainwell.

Kenneth Gainwell at practice
Kenneth Gainwell at practice (Image via Underdog NFL/X)

He’s much more than a gadget guy. I’ve just been completely overwhelmed by the amount of talent he has.

Mayfield replied

This praise was in line with what Aaron Rodgers felt about the running back-cum receiver when the two played together for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. From Mayfield’s answer, it is clear that he now knows that Gainwell can be a major asset.

After posting career highs across the board, the Mississippi native earned a two-year, $14 million deal to join the Buccaneers. That contract indicates how much the organization trusts him to continue to improve on his showing last year. Gainwell might be behind Bucky Irving in the depth chart, but his overall skill could make him one of Baker Mayfield’s go-to targets.

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