Baker “Squirrel” Mayfield
September 15th, 2025
Baker Mayfield is not among the NFL’s top running quarterbacks. He’s no Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts, but for one coach and for one night in particular, Mayfield is right there.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was a Pro Bowl linebacker and he knows all about chasing quarterbacks. But Ryan spent much of the 2025 offseason studying to face Rams QB Matt Stafford on opening day, so he’s got a quite a contrast on his hands when the Texans face the Bucs tonight in Houston.
As Ryans said on his “Texans All-Access” show last week, Stafford is a “statue” and Mayfield is a “squirrel.”
Joe loved the analogy. Squirrels are relentless, slippery and hard to box in. That’s been Mayfield since Day 1 with the Bucs in 2023.
“Baker’s playing the best of his career. He keeps their team in games because of his ability to scramble and make plays down the field,” Ryans said.
Ryans talked about getting his defensive players to get their hands up tonight because Mayfield has “a low trajectory throw.”
He also added that the Texans’ “eye discipline” needs to improve grately, especially with Mayfield’s “great arm” and ability to move. “We got a squirrel running all over the place,” Ryans said.
Mayfield running is fun as heck, but Joe doesn’t want it. Yeah, Mayfield is excellent at it, but just look at the big first-quarter hit he needlessly took from the Falcons last week. He came crashing down on his left shoulder.
At some point, that turns into a problem. If the Bucs can revive their dormant running game tonight (from the running backs), Joe will feel great about the Bucs exiting Houston with a “W” and a healthy quarterback.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Joe, what colors are we wearing tonight?
September 15th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
Hope against hope that Goedeke can go.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:29 pm
“GET YOUR WEIGHT UP LITTLE BOY!!!”
Baker has:
>Bulldozed a Vikings DB (see quote above)
>Absolutely TRUCKED HOF LB Bobby Wagner
>Stiff armed sack leader Nick Bosa
You’re calling him a squirrel. Are you joking? That’s a dog. That’s a pitbull.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Bowles will keep it close. Could go one way, or another.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
^being a dawg is the only thing Baker is allowed to take from Cleveland lol
September 15th, 2025 at 4:42 pm
The fix for the run game is simple. Just put 5 guys all out of their regular positions on the OL and let them have fun!
September 15th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
I think the low trajectory thing is sometimes on purpose to reduce error. Look at the tuddies he has made to Otton which almost touch the ground or the throws to sterling the other game
September 15th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
^Hahahaha
September 15th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
Definitely do not want him taking big hits!
Jayden Daniels and Bryce Young maybe out.
JJ MCCarthy is out for 2-4 weeks
Joe Burrows out 3 months.
QBs dropping like flies
O -LINE STEP UP!
September 15th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
*laugh was at KC Buc’s take from Cleveland comment.
September 15th, 2025 at 5:22 pm
He can get a bit happy footed back there but the guy has an undeniable ability to avoid sacks. He’s not a big dude or an incredible athlete but he still plays like he is.
September 15th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Squirrels are indecisive and get run over in the middle of the road. That’s not Baker. That’s me making life decisions.
September 15th, 2025 at 6:04 pm
Gotta get the running game going. If Bucky can’t get it then we need to give White a shot. Need that screen game to pop too considering their aggressive pass rush
September 15th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
Dewey lolololololol amen brother
September 15th, 2025 at 6:48 pm
Hey Joe – with all the injuries to QBs in week 2 any bets where Kyle ends up? Maybe Jets pending Fields concussion results… wouldn’t that be interesting!