Baker Mayfield’s Week 16 Passing Chart May Make You Snort Gas Fumes
December 23rd, 2025
Yikes.
Joe hasn’t seen a passing chart this nauseating since Joe saw Reggie Ball play quarterback at Georgia Tech.
Did Mike Shula crawl through the hole in the fence near the Glazer Shed?
Joe wants to mock the Bucs here and say the Baker Mayfield passing chart below is something you might see from an NFL game in 1971, but even the NFL back then would throw the ball down the field.
So too would Woody Hayes, if you put a gun to his head and ordered him to pass — or else.
Joe really doesn’t know how to explain this passing chart. It is like a team was down to its emergency quarterback who is otherwise a linebacker or a tight end. It’s appalling, especially for an NFL team in a playoff hunt.
Mayfield had two — two! — completions farther than 10 yards past the line of scrimmage. Hell, even Bucs coach Todd Bowles remarked how the Bucs had to throw the ball downfield more.
Is Mayfield this hurt? Why else would you play an entire game in the NFL and only twice complete a pass beyond 10 yards from the line?
Joe sure hopes for Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard’s sake that either Mayfield is so hurt he can’t throw, or Mayfield had such an awful day he rarely saw a Bucs receiver open.
You cannot tell Joe that Carolina’s secondary is so good that every receiver past the first level of the defense was covered on all but two pass plays.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:05 am
It had to be a ball control offensive gameplan to keep the defense off the field….which tells you all you need to know about the defense
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:06 am
Baker isn’t hurt, hes just not good. He’s healthy and has healthy WRs and his coaches trust him so much they run the ball 30+ times. When they do call a pass play there’s always inaccurate passes and miscommunications.
Baker and Tez in the Atl game and Baker and Mike in the Carolina game, miscommunication. Baker inaccurate, throwing high and low, skipping passes to Godwin on 3rd down. He’s not playing well enough to have a downfield passing attack.
Can’t Baker change the play at the line or do they not trust him to do that either? Paying him 30+ mil to throw 5 yd passes.
The roster and the coaching staff need a complete overhaul.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:06 am
What Sherman knew was what Bucs fans have witnessed since Week 7. A QB who is either too hurt throw or just isnt all that good at doing so. Either way it’s not good, kinda like Baker’s record in big games.
Fun story and great dude, but even with all his weapons against average defenses, stinks.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:10 am
“It had to be a ball control offensive gameplan to keep the defense off the field….which tells you all you need to know about the defense”
That, and to keep the game from slipping through your hands and into the hands of a defender keyed in on everything underneath them, because that’s where this chart says all of the passes were.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:10 am
Todd would much rather lose by offense than defense at this point. He is in job saving mode, and his plan is to fire the OC to save his behind.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:12 am
Mayfield is hurt and…
The OL can’t hold their blocks!
Please… no injuries to any Buccaneer for the next two games, that’s all I am asking for.
Then a 9.4 Richter Scale shake up at OBP INCLUDING THE GENERAL MANAGER.
It’s the old definition of insanity!
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:13 am
First play against Miami….playaction pass to JMac deep….what do we have to lose??
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:13 am
Ballwin is right! No need to question because it came directly from Bowles mouth. The game plan was to run the ball and play keep away. The Problem is that controlling the clock doesn’t win in 2025. You need to score points! It might work when you have a big lead, but not when you are down 3 late in the fourth quarter.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:17 am
Bee is now the team physician. He’s personally with all the players and knows their health. I bet you also evaluated JM and said his playing days were over.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:18 am
2 more games until we’re finally rid of this awful coaching staff. I’m more excited about that than these last couple games.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:28 am
The OC calls the plays for the QB. True he is given an alternate play to call, but it still comes from the OC.
Its not up to the QB. No matter how much you want it to be, so you can bash him to fit your agendas.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:33 am
Baker might be a little off in games but he’s not the issue….
GRIZZARD is the issue.
His route concepts and offensive scheme are garbage!!!!
He is in wayyyyyy over his head.
This offense is broken along with the team itself…
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:34 am
DBS
I can tell the players are healthy because they’re starting the game. Truly injured players don’t play. So if you’re in the game then you can’t be that injured. When Mike broke his collarbone, he was injured.
You can’t play week after week then blame poor play on injuries. You shouldn’t be in the game if thats the case.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:34 am
The OC is absolutely TRASH! That’s why! Notice after the first 10-15 scripted plays, we nosedive. He’s in waaaay over his head and has ZERO feel for the game in live action.
How many times did we run on 1st down again?????
He’s the Temu version of Byron Leftwich!
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:38 am
Jscycles
But it is up to the qb where he throws the ball. And Baker chooses to not throw deep and when he does it’s typically inaccurate. If Baker trusted his arm and accuracy don’t you think he’d push the ball more?
I’m asking questions and pointing out the obvious. I have no agenda.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:44 am
To be fair when Mayfield was brought into the organization he was told “We don’t want you to be Tom Brady, we want you to be yourself”. Basically to me that is you were brought in to save cap space, not to win Superbowls.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:44 am
Don’t see the TD to ME13 on the chart?
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:45 am
LMFAO. Bee you don’t know a damn to thing. AWJ , ME, CG have all played injured and not 100%. They even admitted it. You don’t know anything about the players other than to guess and give an opinion.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:45 am
When baker has time he can throw down field. He has pressure in his face almost instantly. That’s why the dink and dunk. Just unfortunate injuries to the two guards, that exposes a still improving young center.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:50 am
Baker Mayfield sucks, he’s a 50-50 QB
It doesn’t matter who the OC is
He blew the playoff game against Detroit with Caneles
He blew the playoff game against Washington with Corn
He’s not money in crucial games, or in critical games
He have had like 6-8 OC
And he suck with all of them
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:50 am
Santa – PLEASE bring the Bucs a NEW coaching staff,
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:51 am
Grizzard. Too young, not great, Needs time to learn. CLEAN HOUSE NOW
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:52 am
“”Coen “”
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:52 am
You are not wrong but Joe has to ask: Is Josh Grizzard allowed to design plays for Mayfield to get out of the pocket and throw? If the defensive interior is getting too much push, there are options available other than running into the teeth of that same interior push.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:53 am
Liam Coen didn’t trust Baker to throw the ball downfield either. That offense last year was built on an excellent run/screen game and lots of short throws. Or as Joe would put it ‘dink and dunk’. Baker doesn’t see the field well from the pocket (too short) and his touch and accuracy just isn’t there on his deep passing.
Mayfield’s performances against the likes of Seattle and San Francisco earlier this year were never going to be sustainable. It was a freakish couple of performances that fooled everyone.
Go back and check how much YAC we had last year on short throws if you want to know why Mayfield is struggling so much.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:58 am
“To be fair when Mayfield was brought into the organization he was told “We don’t want you to be Tom Brady, we want you to be yourself”. Basically to me that is you were brought in to save cap space, not to win Superbowls.”
Stopgap QB, is what that’d make Baker Mayfield and he’s closer than that to being a “franchise” QB and that’s alright.
You don’t call the local pizza place when you’ve got a hankering for lo mein and spring rolls.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:13 am
Coen schemed to Baker’s ability [dink and dunk]. Coen’s skill in developing a solid run game and a reliable ME13 downhill masked Baker’s shortcomings. Now, a mediocre to poor OC, we can see all of Baker’s flaws…he lacks confidence because he lacks downfield accuracy, he has average field vision and goes thru his reads too slow or simply misses seeing open receivers, he’s jittery in the pocket. Baker plays like he’s high on coke…he comes out hyped, jittery and manic and crashes in the 4th quarter. Come to think of it, that’s kinda reminiscent of his/this season. I guess he can’t afford to buy his own “smelling salts”
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:16 am
@Joe
I think Grizz’s hands are tied a little bit. Bakers heath is a factor, rolling baker out of the pocket puts him at risk of further injury plus those plays take longer to develop. This is the worse OL situation they’ve had in a while. This may be controversial, but I don’t think Grizz and baker are as bad as they’ve looked.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:18 am
Nope wrong. OC calls the plays. QB executes those plays. He might dump off to someone in a scramble drill. But this isnt flag football where you call your own plays.
Taking out frustrations on a player because your team is not winning is an agenda. Be careful about wanting to get rid of someone. Remember Steve Young.
And I named noone in particular. Just a general observation. But it seems to bring out the “Not me” stuff I used the hear from our daughters when they were young.
And guilty about something…
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:26 am
Great philosopher John McKay: “ A few plan plane crashes and we’re in!” Joe, that passing chart would make Wood Hayes & Tom Osborne blush! Egads!!!!
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:36 am
Lol 🤣🤣🤣
Talking to no one in particular while referring to my comment. Did you get that from your daughter’s when they were young?
Look, I could have 100 agendas and it doesn’t matter. My opinion is meaningless just everyone’s opinion on here including the Joe’s. The owners opinion and agenda is all that matters.
Baker is bad, if he was good we’d be seeing that right now. And no it’s not all his fault hes just not good at his job right now. Cope however you need to.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:46 am
Ball control and time of possession does still work provided you have a decent defense. It keeps the defense rested, wears down the opposing defense and sets up the opposing defense for the occasional deep shots. It’s always worked and will always work if done by a competent team. If you do it to protect a terrible defense that can’t stop anyone then it won’t work.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:51 am
Playing ball control with a lousy defense. Great strategy Todd
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:53 am
i dont think baker is that “injured”
2 things:
1.) Grizz is/was in over his head
2.) Baker is not as good as he thinks he is or we thought he was…too many TOs when the game is on the line and we have multiple examples of that this year, last year and the year before….
Bowles, Grizz, Baker, Reddick, Winfield, Dean all need to go!!!!
too many soft guys and frauds on this team
GO BUCS!!!!
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:53 am
It worked for the Commanders last season against the Bucs in the playoffs. 36 minutes for the Commandos versus 24 for the Bucs. They walked the ball down the field the whole game by design to keep the Bucs offense off the field and it worked to perfection.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:56 am
The last three games? Maybe NO, Atl and Carolina are just better teams.
They have better coaches. Yes. Rah is better than Bowles. They have better players. Their players have pride. They play harder. Their assistants are better. Their facilities don’t have MRSA.
These are the realities. A lot of it got masks by the “success” of the last few division crowns.
This is a complete tear down.
No retread HC. No retread GMs. No Reddicks.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:58 am
“Ball control and time of possession does still work provided you have a decent defense.”
It also means nothing when you can only generate points on 50% of your offensive possessions. You can also use ball control to protect your offense from your up and down QB who in 7 games since the bye week has thrown 7 INTs in 5 combined contests. With the only win being against a team we beat by 3 and held to 17 points, but sure defense
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:04 am
Consider Steve Young.
He was rhe Bucs quarterback for two years, had 3-16 record each year. 11 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, and a 55% completion record.
The Bucs drafted Vinnie Testaverde to replace him. Young went to 49ers sat behind Joe Montana,, and then replaced him and went on to a Hall of Fame career.
Be careful about running someone out of town too soon. Coaches have alot to do with players success.
And if ANYONE thinks I’m talking about them in my posts, you couldn’t be more wrong. Just want to point out some things we all might want to think about, based on my playing and coaching the game. And the Bucs wild history.
SO – be careful what we wish for…
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:13 am
Baker 5yrs 305mill coming up.
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:19 am
Pay attention to the posts you are reading and writing
Been and Lakeland are right 100%
No reason to try and argue
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:27 am
The point was that ball control can and does still work. Why not respond to the point instead of using it to bash Baker as it was not intended as a defense of Baker. You’re pathetic WBL!
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:35 am
“The point was that ball control can and does still work. Why not respond to the point instead of using it to bash Baker as it was not intended as a defense of Baker. You’re pathetic WBL!”
Bruh, you’re talking about ball control on offense, skip over everything concerning the offense and fast forward right to laying blame at the defense for the offense trying to control the clock.
Offense generates points, when you control the ball and don’t score, ball control isn’t working lol
Sticks and stones fella, calling me pathetic doesn’t make the point you failed to make more correct.
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:40 am
The Baker haters are having their fun now ,When Baker raises that Lombardy Trophy they will be silent as they will be choking on their own spit.
Accept. Baker will be allowed to fulfil his destiny and he will do it right here in front of some of the worst trolls in the league.
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:49 am
jcscyces is a wise man in this thread.
The Buccaneers have NEVER developed a winning QB. NEVER!
What makes you think they will start now?
A better strategy would be to fix Baker and draft positions where we desperately need help. Edge rush anybody???
Remember the only reason you see rookie QB’s making a difference is because they are playing Bowles lousy defense.
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:57 am
Warren – Right a stop gap QB. I do think it was a good match for that role and did a good job. Stayed competitive and plays with passion. Pizza is good but a steak every once in awhile would be ideal. I’m curious if they add around him say with another lineman or TE, QB whisper or try something else. Bucs aren’t known for developing QBs. Interesting offseason I believe with a few more games to unfold. See what kinda shake up happens.
December 23rd, 2025 at 12:34 pm
WBL, It goes without saying that whatever strategy you use on offense, you have to be successful doing it. Someone made the point that TOP is not relevant anymore which is not true. As far as why it didn’t work in this case, you don’t know why. You just automatically point to Baker as the problem because you have a bias. He’s been successful for this team before, including earlier this year as well as the two preceding years. It’s a lot more involved than you would like to think. All good quarterbacks have periods in their careers when things don’t fire on all cylinders. I’ll just name one and that is Trevor Lawrence. He’s looked bad for a long time but now things have turned and he looks like a world beater. There’s a lot that goes into having a successful offense.
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:03 pm
-sigh-
Oscar, you tried to tie the effectivity on controlling the ball by the offense to the performance of the defense. With no mention of the offense, that’s you passively taking an offensive tact and trying to say it works if the defense does it’s job without mentioning the offenses role in keeping drives alive aka possessing the ball.
We’re all biased, comes with the human condition and I can admit I’m of the mind Baker Mayfield peaked last season. That was the perfect storm for him, sort of like ’02 Rich Gannon or ’08 Rex Grossman or ’12 RGIII. Plenty of instances of QBs who had that one year with a bunch of ho-hum years before/after. Heck even Blake Bortles played in an AFC Championship game, now he’s construction worker.
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:13 pm
You guys need to stop looking at everything in a vacuum.
Is Baker a top 5 guy… no. Is he a top 15… yes.
The problem is coaching and at times him playing injured. That’s it. Stop over analyzing.
Baker got the Cleveland freaking Browns into the playoffs for the first time in 25 years. When JMac scored 7 TDs to end last season what was the ADOT? It was 5 yards I will tell you that.
Did anyone want Lawrence over Baker last year or the first 6 weeks? Hell no!
Baker has had 8 different OCs in 8 years!
COACHING MATTERS!
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:14 pm
*It wasn’t 5 yards. Damnit
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:17 pm
Coen is a QB dream. He gets the QB to trust the protections and schemes WRs open.
Lawrence is playing the best ball of his career the last 3 weeks. It’s not cause he sucked before and a light switch just went off.
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:30 pm
Fans on the run
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:33 pm
It’s the new “Gulf Coast” offense.
December 23rd, 2025 at 1:54 pm
Saskbucs- Some good points. Mayfield was the best thing Cleveland had in years. He can win playoff games saw it here also. Also saw him lose them. I don’t know the stats data with this offense line but he should be given a chance of line power % that Brady or Manning would stand behind if we expect him to be more consistent. I don’t know if there is a way to look at those numbers to compare line grades per year from Brady years to Mayfield years. I want to see Mayfield at the boat parade just like everyone else. I do consider why Cleveland and other teams decided to give him a pass. I’m critical of players because I want to see them succeed.
December 23rd, 2025 at 2:29 pm
First, in college Baker was one of the most accurate passers ever. This is fact. He didn’t suddenly lose his accuracy.
The playoff year in Cleveland he was also very accurate.
In both situations (OKLA and Cleve) he had an outstanding offensive line. He also had an outstanding offensive line last season, and was very accurate.
If you morons aren’t getting it yet, the offensive line matters a HUGE amount, and this year’s line isn’t cutting it. Two backup guards and a 2nd year center are not giving Baker enough time to settle, make his reads, and deliver a football accurately.
NOW, why our OC hasn’t figured this out and started running more play action, rollouts, and boots, I cannot explain. Baker is very good throwing on the run.
So, it’s a stubborn OC and injuries up front that are killing our offense.
This from a long-time o-line coach. Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady also had great offensive lines… and this year when PM’s line was suspect, he’s injured and out of the playoffs and his stats are nothing to write home about.
ITS A TEAM GAME, PEOPLE
December 23rd, 2025 at 2:56 pm
The issue is that Bowles insisted on signing Teddy Bridgewater as backup. Because of that, Mayfield was unable to miss games.
At least Trask was an unknown who knew the system well enough not to get players injured.
December 23rd, 2025 at 2:58 pm
LANshark, our OC is inexperienced. Of course, so were the previous three when they got the jobs.
Grizz is the first of four who isn’t cutting it.
December 23rd, 2025 at 2:59 pm
LANshark, but I do agree with you 100%
December 23rd, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Bonsai
Some here were saying Baker was better, because Trask was an outdated pocket passer. Now, they are blaming Baker’s poor play on no pocket.
December 23rd, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Let’s see. We have a QB who the last 2 years has thrown more TD passes than anyone in the league. Went to 3 playoff games and had stellar QB marks in all 3. I went to the Detroit playoff game. A late pick but 3 TD passes he was the best player on the field. Easy. Rod Munch will say he choked that playoff game also. Because we were behind by 8 points and we didn’t drive the field to tie it. Our defense in that 4 th qtr in Detroit gave up 2 TD drives and held the ball 12 minutes of the 4 th qtr. The defense was the worst I’ve ever seen that 4 th qtr. The defense totally lost that game, 100%. The Washington playoff game he was15 for 18. The fumble happened and he got us right back down the field to tie it and they clanked one off the upright. Everyone remember’s the game, right? Where our defense couldn’t force a punt and stopping any number of 4th down plays would have won us the game. Our team was working on an identity for 2 and a half years. It was Baker Mayfield throwing. For six weeks we’ve decided a strong defense and primary running game should be our identity. And if Baker doesn’t pull a rabbit out of his a$$ in the last minute of every game then it’ll be his fault. When we fully commit to a game plan that features Baker Mayfield and his receivers then our teams identity will reemerge. He’s in his prime and our team is featuring our run game and defense. Bowles game plan isn’t even allowing one of the leagues best passer to get a rythm. And he won’t let our Wild Bunch( kickoff team) engage? The obvious answer is to feature Baker Mayfield. He’s good. If he throws it 35 of the first 45 snaps against Miami we’ll run it 15 of the last 20 snaps. And beat their a$$. And maybe remember our identity.
December 23rd, 2025 at 6:36 pm
The Bucs were mostly running the ball at will. Clearly Bowles told Grizz to take the ball out of Baker’s hands – and the last drive shows why Bowles was smart to do that. If Baker doesn’t choke, the Bucs win the game.
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:17 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
December 23rd, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Let’s see. We have a QB who the last 2 years has thrown more TD passes than anyone in the league. Went to 3 playoff games and had stellar QB marks in all 3.
———
He literally choked in the 4th quarter of his last two playoff games.
Also over the last 2 years he has the 2nd most INTs, only edging out Geno Smith.
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:19 pm
Once again, for at least the tenth time, I ask the Baker haters to offer an alternative. Bi**h all you want but until you come up with a solid solution, all you are is whiners with no solution. Baker is batter than at least 2/3 of the QBs in the NFL.
For the Bowles haters (and I don’t blame any of you), who is his replacement? I’m not seeing any strong candidates at this point. At least, nobody strong enough for the owners to justify eating a large contract extension.
Same goes for Grizzard (except the salary and extension). Who is the sure-fire offensive coordinator replacement that will immediately make ant real difference?
To be clear, I think the play calling is unimaginative. I also think the Bucs O-line is doing a terrible job, which is to be expected considering the makeshift group that is in there. The run blocking is bad and the pass blocking is atrocious up the middle. Still, I would hope they could do better considering they are professionals being paid to do a job.
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:28 pm
Although I agree with Munch at times, he is clearly wrong about the interception Mayfield threw in the last game. Every sane analyst out there has stated that it was neither Evans’ nor Mayfield’s fault. Mayfield threw it to where Evans was running. Evans, thinking Mayfield was going to scramble instead of throw, stopped his route and started blocking. The ball was thrown exactly to where Evans would have been had he not stopped running. It’s unfortunate but hardly the sole reason the Bucs lost that game.
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:47 pm
ChiBuc: “Baker plays like he’s high on coke…he comes out hyped, jittery and manic and crashes in the 4th quarter”
Perfect explanation for how the Bucs had four come from behind victories in the final minute of the game at the beginning of the season [insert eye roll here].
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:52 pm
For those that believe that Baker doesn’t see the filed well and that is they Coen has a “dink and dunk” offense, I guess what you are really saying (though too stubborn to admit) is that the current O.C. has shied away from that and is doing something different? If so, that sure doesn’t match the passing chart.
The problem is either that the current O.C. cannot seem to scheme the “dink and dunks” open or that the offensive line cannot hold a block long enough to even complete those, resulting in throws that go to a last resort receiver who hasn’t made it beyond the line of scrimmage.
December 23rd, 2025 at 8:17 pm
Scotty Mack Says:
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:28 pm
Although I agree with Munch at times, he is clearly wrong about the interception Mayfield threw in the last game. Every sane analyst out there has stated that it was neither Evans’ nor Mayfield’s fault.
————
All I said was he threw the INT – I didn’t blame for not being on the same page, what I criticized him for was the fact he threw it all. Mike wasn’t open, he had stumbled, got yanked, coming out of the blocks, was only getting his feet under him, and there was good coverage. BUT much worse was when I watched the ALL22, Baker has two receivers completely wide open on the right side of the field, on at intermediate depth, the other at deep depth – and both would have gotten some YAC as well. It was a terrible decision to throw the ball – but not the throw itself.
My further comments on that throw, however, are aimed at those who claimed Evans turned up field after the ball was in the air – that is 100% a false statement. Baker still has the ball when Evans has already made his cut and is going upfield. Again, it’s a close play, but just pointing it out.
Finally, part of this is about all the Baker Boi(s) all year who said the team can’t win a game without Baker, he single handedly won the games earlier this year, etc etc etc. If you single handedly win games, then you single handedly lose games – just throwing their dumb boring bumper sticker talk back in their faces.
December 23rd, 2025 at 8:25 pm
Scotty Mack Says:
December 23rd, 2025 at 7:52 pm
For those that believe that Baker doesn’t see the filed well and that is they Coen has a “dink and dunk” offense, I guess what you are really saying (though too stubborn to admit) is that the current O.C. has shied away from that and is doing something different? If so, that sure doesn’t match the passing chart.
————-
Coen didn’t run a dink and dunk offense, he ran a quick passing offense – they’re not the same thing. Coen had a lot of quick slants and ins that might only be 6 or 7 yard passes, but it was catching guys moving and in stridge, giving them the chance to get some YAC. This year, it’s a lot more very predictable WR screens and routes where guys run and stop, not a lot of pre-snap motion. Also last year the Bucs were using White a lot more in passing game, but with a lot of misdirection and off playaction – this year, they’re not. It’s 1st down run up the middle, 2nd down screen, 3rd down incompletion, 4th down punt.
BUT, as for throwing deep – the Bucs ARE throwing deep more this year. Baker’s intended air yards per attempt is like a yard higher this year, which is quite a big difference, he is in fact throwing deep more, and he’s worse because of it. Baker isn’t good at throwing deep, he’s too inaccurate, and he’s too prone to getting happy feet when throwing deep. Coen saw that, and quickened up the pace of everything.
Speaking of pace, why in the world is the clock on every snap being ran down to 1 second? This is another thing that just shows you a lack of confidence happening somewhere. Every play they’re rushing to snap the ball before the play clock runs out.
Overall the offense has been a mess, largely because they’ve abandoned what Coen was doing, despite this allegedly being the same offensive scheme and same playbook.
December 23rd, 2025 at 8:30 pm
Debating about Mayfield’s abilities is a waste of time. He long ago proved himself in both regular season and playoffs. He threw 40 TD passes last year and was an MVP candidate this first half of the year for heavens sake. The play design is now a problem along with a collapsing pocket. The problem with no downfield passes is apparently due to the fact that there is no pocket protection to allow Mayfield to let receivers go that far and be able to step into his throws. Since he’s so good and passing on the run I don’t see why they aren’t designing roll-outs to buy time and allow receives to hit the gaps. If you want to see what Baker is dealing with in comparison to other QBs, take a look at the 49ers game against the Colts and you see a clean pocket and Purdy able to survey the field on almost every play. Of course he threw for 5 TDs. Even with all the challenges and the fact that Carolina has a much better defense than the Bucs, Mayfield completed 18 of 25 passes and bailed them out with some big runs. The pick at the end was because Evans altered his route at the exact moment Mayfield was throwing the football to where Evans was headed.
December 23rd, 2025 at 8:55 pm
Munch tries to find meaning for himself as Baker struggles through injuries, a weak O line and yet another new OC. Munch wants anyone to take him seriously after bashing Baker in 2023 only for Baker to put up 2024 numbers attained by only 4 QB’s in NFL history. Not to mention Mayfield having the best playoff stats of any QB in NFL history. Liked it better when Baker put a bad team on his back to win games earlier in season. Best part of that was Munch disappeared and sulked as Baker excelled. Munch holds himself out as a football guru. Really just a football fool. Everyone knows that Todd B stupidly went to grind it out run game to keep his defense off the field. Defense as usual folded at end of first half allowing a TD. Not a word from Munch. Not a word from Munch last year in Carolina game when Baker threw 5TD’s.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:25 pm
I just read a disturbing but probably analysis of the Bucs this season on ESPN. Basicallly, taking all of the seasons Baker has played, this year his performance is equal to his years at Cleveland and Carolina. Last season with the Bucs was his best year. So last year was the anomaly….not now. This is how he has always performed. That point hit me hard. Because if this is Bakers normal level of play, we are in trouble. We thought we would get last year Baker but we did not. He may have come down to earth and this is what we get. Listen, he plays hard and you cannot question his heart….but it isn’t enough.
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:53 pm
Gas fumes!! The headline is absolutely hilarious 🤣
December 23rd, 2025 at 9:59 pm
Im going to keep saying it till we start winning next season. Jon Gruden as HC and Rod Marinelli comes out of retirement to be the Bucs DC in 2026. Our d-line is the biggest issue in this defense and Rod specializes in D-Line. Imagine what Rod could do with a Calijah Kancey. Rod could turn him into the second coming of Warren Sapp or get in that ballpark. Kancey would be a perfect undertackle in a 4-3 base defense with Vea as the NT. This could work. The base of the offense is already in place. Jon Gruden and Marinelli could turn this team into a SB contender next season. Glazers please please consider this!!
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:03 pm
garbs65,
Mayfield excelled in 2018 and 2020 in Cleveland with a horrible franchise that hadn’t excelled before or after Baker. 2021 was a season where Baker played the entire season after being injured with a serious shoulder injury. His reward for toughing it out in 2021 was CLE signing Watson for $235mill guaranteed 5 years. How did that work out?. 2022 was a year in the wilderness with Carolina where he asked for his release and then onto Rams where he excelled when Stafford was out with injuries. On to Tampa in 2023 which was a solid year. 2024 was a historic year for Baker. Final chapter on 2024 hasn’t been written but like 2021 Mayfield has played mostly injured the last 7 games excepting last Sunday. Bucs defense and coaching has been really bad and injuries haven’t helped. Mayfield is a winner. Would just like to see him get pocket protection rather than have the front three continually pushed into him while in the pocket.
December 23rd, 2025 at 10:32 pm
Bobby. Sorry but nobody is going to do anything with Kancey. The guy can’t even get on the field or stay on it when he does. Just another bust.
December 24th, 2025 at 12:42 am
Gipper Says:
December 23rd, 2025 at 8:55 pm
Munch tries to find meaning for himself as Baker struggles through injuries, a weak O line and yet another new OC.
——-
The ‘Baker is hurt’ routine once again. LOL!
Also, as pointed out yesterday, Baker is well on pace to easily have the least number of sacks since he’s been in Tampa, and has less hurries as well.
Also… a “new OC”? It’s the same system, same playbook, and Baker personally endorsed Grizz, remember, and Grizz in term was going to open up the playbook and have Baker throw deep more – which he has done this year. Well, how is that working out? Seems like Coen knew what he was doing when he limited what was asked for Baker.
December 24th, 2025 at 12:43 am
jcscycles Says:
December 23rd, 2025 at 11:04 am
Consider Steve Young.
He was rhe Bucs quarterback for two years, had 3-16 record each year. 11 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, and a 55% completion record.
———–
Yeah, Baker has no offensive talent around him, he’s been put in a position to fail by the team… LOL!
December 24th, 2025 at 9:30 am
The posts after Midnight are getting fueled by something other than Diet coke…!
December 24th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Munch,
It’s Christmas Eve so I will pass on saying what the majority of Tampa fans think of you. I wish you and your husband a Merry Christmas.