3 Examples Why Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers are Primed For A Super Bowl Run

After ending last season in the Wild Card round, some analysts and fans wondered if Baker Mayfield and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers had reached their ceiling.

The pre-emptive notion was that the team was not doing enough to win close games. Their logic was not misplaced, as the Bucs lost 5 games by 1 score or less, along with their Wild Card loss to the Washington Commanders. On top of that, the franchise lost a few assistant coaches, most notably, offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who unceremoniously became the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There were concerns that the offensive game would struggle, as Coen was viewed to be responsible for Mayfield’s resurgence as a franchise quarterback. In response, the organization decided to promote other coaches to take the vacant positions.

That mantra of next man up seems to have resonated with this squad. Last season, after Chris Godwin‘s season-ending injury, the team still managed to reach the playoffs.

This time around, those assistants have taken their promotions seriously and have helped the team post statistics that see them in the top half across many categories.

Along with Baker Mayfield’s ‘clutch’ late-game performances, the Buccaneers now find themselves 5-1, just behind the surprising Indianapolis Colts. Some might say that they have not won against the top teams in the league. Their lone loss came at the hands of the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, which raised questions about the team’s ability to battle against the best.

However, their wins against the Seahawks and the 49ers have given a glimpse as to what they can do when the playoffs come around. This Tampa Bay Buccaneers team could end up gunning for the Super Bowl.

Baker Mayfield’s do-or-die mentality rubbing off on teammates

When the Buccaneers chose to sign Baker Mayfield as their replacement for the retiring Tom Brady, some questioned whether the team was serious about winning.

The GOAT had given them a new identity, and some analysts felt that with the former Cleveland Browns quarterback, winning had not become synonymous.

The Texas native has instead flipped their predictions and proved that he was worthy of the $100 million contract extension they awarded him. After ending the 2024 season the way he did, the quarterback came into this season with a passion that reminded fans of his Oklahoma days.

Mayfield has been more or less the main reason for the wins they have enjoyed this season. When down against their opponents, the quarterback has either scrambled himself out of impossible situations or set his teammates up for a score.

His drive has also rubbed off on his teammates, as the Buccaneers have either scored or stopped opponents from doing so, particularly in late-game situations.

This was absent last season. Therefore, it is a good thing for the team that they are collectively not giving up when it matters, a trait that will be helpful come playoff time.

Buccaneers empowering their players amidst injuries

Heading into their Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Buccaneers were without their starting right tackle and right guard, as both are on injured reserve.

Along with them, starting wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out, along with starting running back Bucky Irving. Even rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka had to leave the game early due to injury.

Despite those absences, Baker Mayfield and his offense did enough against a solid 49ers defense to win this game. This is again an illustration of how the coaches are empowering the substitutes to be the best versions of themselves.

Every player stepping up is doing the best they can, and that is a testament to the team’s focus and drive this season. Now the real question is, if this is how good they are with backups, how good will they be when their injured starters return?

The team possibly has another gear they can engage, and might be working through its nuances as they battle through the regular season. If this unit can stay healthy come playoff time, the offense could light up anyone they go up against.

Buccaneers’ defense doing its bit, playing elite football

As Baker Mayfield awaits the return of his offensive starters, the defense, on the other hand, has been as good as they were last season. The offseason saw them bring in pass rusher Haason Reddick.

That has helped the unit show its prowess both in the pass game, as well as the run game. In the latter, Vita Vea and his unit are top 5 in the league.

Once the secondary get their feet set with additional reps, it should be able to help the entire defense start to impact opponents’ passing attempts.

They are also in the top half in turnovers, which means the defense has the ability to generate when needed. Once the new members get to grips with their schemes, the unit should complement the offense to collectively take a shot at going deep into the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be the best team in the league. But slowly and steadily, they are working on the things that stopped them from performing well last season.

Once they figure out how to best attack each game, it should not be a surprise if Baker Mayfield and his buddies in red and white make a run for the Super Bowl come February.

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