Shaun King Blasts Bucs’ Effort, Directs Blame At Baker Mayfield And Overpaid Players
December 13th, 2025
Ex-Bucs quarterback Shaun King alongside Buccaneers Ring of Honor GM Jason Licht.
It’s dangerous territory when the “E” word gets thrown around by former players questioning current players’ effort.
That’s the kind of stuff that drives major change, including those coaching said team.
Former Bucs QB Shaun King, a lifelong Bucs fan from St. Petersburg, is frustrated by the Bucs and thinks they’ve got too manyoverpaid and underdelivering players.
“Everybody on our defense that’s been eligible to get a bag has got a bag, and they be out there like they don’t give a good god damn,” King told The Coach JB Show yesterday.
“A debacle like that on Thursday Night Football where you’re up 28-14 with everything at stake you just fall on your face? … We made Kyle Pitts look like the reincarnation of prime Tony Gonzalez. Like are you kidding me?”
One of four quarterbacks to lead the Bucs to the NFC Championship game, King added that a showing like Thursday puts Todd Bowles in danger of getting fired.
King, the former University of South Florida quarterbacks and running backs coach, said Baker Mayfield has been playing poorly for weeks and is pressing and becoming inaccurate.
It got real bad Thurdsay for Mayfield, per King. “I haven’t seen him that uncomfortable in the pocket for no reason in a long time.”
December 13th, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Baker is hurt. Watch his first half numbers vs second half numbers when the opioids wear off. Same kind of thing that happened in Cleveland but not as major. Gimme a hurt Baker Mayfield over a healthy Teddy B any day and twice on Sunday!
December 13th, 2025 at 5:23 pm
For no reason? The guards were turnstiles!
December 13th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Bowles in danger of losing his job? He better lose it. Licht needs to go also. He’s the tool who keeps giving players their bag, whether they deserve it or not. Fire the meathead too!
December 13th, 2025 at 5:31 pm
Jason Licht has to make some bold moves in the offseason. Ever since they paid AWJ he’s disappeared. They should package him in a trade and get a pass rusher. The bucs front seven needs a makeover.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:33 pm
Shaun King – One of TWO Quarterbacks to ‘lead” the Bucs to a LOSS in an NFC Championship game – with the Defense giving up less than 10 points!
December 13th, 2025 at 5:35 pm
Winfield’s trade value is at an all-time low. Especially at The Licht Sticker Price of $20 million/per. King is on the money here.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:35 pm
Baker has been playing hurt for most of the year and has displayed tremendous heart and leadership.
Yeah he has had accuracy issues but he’s the least of the BIG PICTURE PROBLEMS.
High pay !?!??
Get over it grumpy old man!
December 13th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
King never played for USF !
December 13th, 2025 at 5:38 pm
Played at Tulane; coached at USF
December 13th, 2025 at 5:44 pm
Baker had 4.01 seconds to throw.
By comparison Cousins was 3.01
Two guys playing different sports under pressure.
Cousins under pressure on 19 dropbacks, Baker 16. Cousins 10-18 for 143yds, TD, only sacked once.
Baker 4-10 for 42 yards, 5 sacks
Baker isn’t a good qb.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:45 pm
A commenter said it perfectly in the live game thread. Mayfield creates his own pressure. Play calling didn’t help him on the INT drive. But the batted down balls, off target or late throws, bad leads. It’s all adding up. To me he seems anxious as he doesn’t trust the line or second guessing himself. Almost if the first read isn’t there begins to frantic. Probably doesn’t want to get sacked. He needs to find a rhythm in that the previous OC’s helped him find it by adjusting to his strengths and getting dialed in. It’s why there not here anymore.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:46 pm
Always excuses for Baker. He’s not hurt, hes just not good. And be honest, Baker at his healthiest plays like he did in the wildcard game last year.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:47 pm
Again, bench their arse!!! I don’t care ex how much they are getting paid.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
Yeah Shaun, Mayfield isn’t getting any protection from the Oline at all. Barton, Feeney and Haggard are getting their asses kicked on every down. Wirfs didn’t look much better. Grizz is a total joke as an OC. He may know X’s and O’s but he has no idea how to respond and adjust to defenses. It’s kind of like he never called offensive plays before…. Oh wait. lol.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
Bee comments are an absolute lie. He has an agenda.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
Bad coaching and certain players not giving good effort. What a combo!
December 13th, 2025 at 5:53 pm
“For no reason” ???
What alternate reality is Shaun operating in?
The guy is playing hurt and it’s obvious if you pay just a little more than occasional attention.
Combined with the fact he had no pass protection or pocket whatsoever.
Fair enough, he overthrew several deep balls that would have made a difference in the outcome, if they’d been on target. But, play after play, the pocket collapsed and he was forced to get rid of the ball quickly. And he still got sacked 5 times! That seems like a pretty good reason to me, to be uncomfortable.
And we all know… right or wrong, agree or disagree, if Baker’s shoulder wasn’t seriously injured, he’d be scrambling like a madman. Sure, he’s back to scrambling after a few weeks of not doing any at all. But, anybody who’s watched him regularly, knows he’s not 100%.
Baker deserves his share of the blame for Thursday night. As do many players on our D in particular. Don’t even get me started on the D.
But, uncomfortable in the pocket for no reason ?!?!
Respectfully Shaun, I beg to differ.
December 13th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
It’s a B and B issue. Baker and Bowles both are in over their heads. We need to start clean. I’ve been patient with Bowles but he isn’t gonna change. And Baker had one good month and has been trash since. Why doesn’t he just throw the ball away!!?!???? Our defensive head coach can’t stop anyone and our franchise quarterback can’t hit anyone shorter than Mike Evans on intermediate to deep routes. We’re screwed
December 13th, 2025 at 6:04 pm
Bee where are you getting your numbers… I’m guessing right out of your a$$…
December 13th, 2025 at 6:05 pm
It’s an all out circle the wagons to protect precious Todd… What a joke.
December 13th, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Bee apparently has no idea how to count… I counted at least 4 times where the D-Line got to Baker’s spot in the drop at the same time as Baker. No way in heck he had 4.01 seconds to throw…
December 13th, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Says the guy that absolutely stunk as an NFL quarterback. Less than a 50 qb rating with 1 touchdown and 3 picks in the 1999 championship game season playoffs. The defense that season allowed less than 10 points in each of 10 games played that year. Talk about riding coattails!
December 13th, 2025 at 6:12 pm
No reason lol
December 13th, 2025 at 6:13 pm
I’m def giving Baker the benifit of the doubt. Average playcalling. poor interior oline play, and him not being 100%. Now if they think Winfield isn’t giving full effort, he needs to ride the pine.
December 13th, 2025 at 6:20 pm
Looks to me the QB leaves it all out on the field every game! There are a number of other guys that clearly treat games like it a scrimmage! Not sure what King is seeing!?
December 13th, 2025 at 6:24 pm
Jason Licht…is the problem. Start there. Until you ditch him…this team is a loser. Licht is THE problem. He keeps signing his own draft picks…they suck. So then we suck. FIRE JASON LICHT!
December 13th, 2025 at 6:28 pm
I don’t agree with Bees comments. Most of the time Baker was under pressure from more than one defensive lineman who broke into the pocket and brought pressure.
Cousins, on the other hand, may have been pressured two or three times the entire game and had all day to throw the ball.
Our defense was out coached and out played !!
I’m still with my Bucs, all the way.
Go Bucs !! Beat the Panthers !!
December 13th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
I think Zion and AWJ are the locker room problems. Zion looked happy to be leaving the game after his “injury” the other night.
December 13th, 2025 at 6:48 pm
Baker will always be hurt with his wreckless play and that is just a fact
December 13th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
Weebs yes he did. He’s prob can’t believe himself he got the contract he did. Bench him and give Morrison an oppurtunity.
December 13th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
“Shaun King – One of TWO Quarterbacks to ‘lead” the Bucs to a LOSS in an NFC Championship game – with the Defense giving up less than 10 points!“
Bert Emanuel rule game. I wouldn’t put the outcome of that on Shaun King or the 2 picks and handful of sacks he ate
December 13th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
Even with the interception, he played more than well enough to win that game as well as several other games if the defense had been even average despite all of the cumulative injuries on offense as well as his own injuries. Here’s a reality check for you! The defense has gotten progressively worse in each season beginning in 2022. The offense definitely took a step back but they have an excuse. Although there are other teams that have had a lot of injuries, I would bet that none had as many as the Bucs on the offensive side of the ball. Plus a very green 1st year coordinator. If the injuries on offense were not so prevalent, the Bucs would have won the NFC South again despite the defense. I know they are still alive but it is going to be very difficult under the circumstances. If you don’t like these excuses, that’s too bad. Many here have had unrealistic expectations these last few years but truly love this team. I feel bad with you. It’s been very disappointing. On the other hand there are many here that are overjoyed at the downfall of this team for some sick reason. They are pathetic!
December 13th, 2025 at 6:58 pm
Where the heck is the JBF podcast? It’s been 2 days since the game! Come on guys, get it together
December 13th, 2025 at 6:58 pm
The guards were on skates and are practice squad level talent at best. The defense doesn’t appear interested in tackling and puts poor effort from many different players on film each week.
Facts.
The Bucs won’t win another game this season.
Licht needs to reevaluate paying every draft pick solely because they’re his picks.
The Todd Bowles era ended Thursday. Let the coaching search begin!
GO BUCS
December 13th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
Luckily watching Raising the Flag is really lifting my spirits. If Sapp or Brooks were on this team, and there was even a sniff of a dude not giving full effort, they would beat their ass! Losong Gruber in that 99 season was another reason the offense struggled so much in that Rams game. We were so close, and still should’ve won, if not for that stupid catch rule. We would’ve smoked that Titans team!
December 13th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
King, the former University of South Florida quarterbacks and running backs coach, said Baker Mayfield has been playing poorly for weeks and is pressing and becoming inaccurate.
^^^^^
R-E-A-D Read carefully. Before you shoot your mouth off !
SB~LV Says:
December 13th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
King never played for USF !
December 13th, 2025 at 7:12 pm
I wouldn’t put that loss on Shaun King either only because he was in way over his head. He had no talent as an NFL quarterback. He had some mobility but that’s it. WBL, that’s the most hypocritical and ridiculous statement you have ever made and there are many!
December 13th, 2025 at 7:14 pm
Zion did look happy to leave the game, also wonder what awj cap hit is next yr smith has outplayed him
December 13th, 2025 at 7:20 pm
Same defense same results. Coaches are supposed to put the players in position to SUCCEED. I haven’t seen that for years
December 13th, 2025 at 7:21 pm
DS, I know. I just find it crazy, because his dad was a passionate and great player. To even think of the possibility of not giving full effort.
December 13th, 2025 at 7:22 pm
Def got real emotional when seeing the part about Dunn losing his mother to murder.
December 13th, 2025 at 7:24 pm
There are many people that comment on this site that are intelligent, articulate and convey their thoughts and opinions in a rational and well thought manner. I may or may not agree with some of the opinions. It matters not to me if others agree with my comments. I try to make my comments to be persuasive in manner. I stay away from stats and football technique discussions. It would be of great benefit for us that follow in hopes of learning something if mindless, irrelevant, spontaneous comments did not take up space here.
December 13th, 2025 at 7:25 pm
Licht and Bowles has always been a bad combination. But for the fact that the Bucs are in the worse division, the franchise is pathetic.
December 13th, 2025 at 7:34 pm
AFC north is worse
So is the NfC east
Lol
December 13th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Shaun “Burger” King.
December 13th, 2025 at 7:45 pm
When Buger King is calling you out, you’re in trouble.
December 13th, 2025 at 7:58 pm
Bowles was trying to be a nice guy. Nice guys finish last.
He brought it all upon himself.
It’s a bit like parenting. Many parents try to be best friends with their children and that doesn’t often work out.
Bowles failed to be the boss.
His uncharacteristically vulgar tirade tells me he has finally awakened but is it too late? Maybe he has learned a valuable lesson and can salvage his career by applying his newfound revelation.
If he had shown this much emotion to Deven White and made it clear to the rest of the team we might have a $100m linebacker instead of SVD.
If Bowles can convince the owners and Jason that he’s seen the light and will bring in a badass DC and start playing smash mouth on defense and get all the support he can for Grizz…..well….
December 13th, 2025 at 8:16 pm
I guess it could be argued that Bowles, by trying to be Devin Whites friend and pseudo father, actually destroyed his career. Devin was immature and unworldly. He needed discipline and education not love and understanding. He needed tough love. If Bowles had put his ego in check and became a real head coach with a real DC and sought mentorship and advice things might have turned out differently.
December 13th, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Never was a King fan. His opinion doesn’t mean much except to himself.
December 13th, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Baker is the kind of guy who tries to show toughness even in pain. I feel that shoulder injury is worst than it looks. Probably need surgery but one shoulder baker is still better than healthy teddy b.
December 13th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
dilfer would have won the rams game.
December 13th, 2025 at 8:33 pm
The sad illusion of jason licht being a good gm… the guy signs his own draft picks to major contract(overpay).. and just because he does that, it looks like every draft picks boom. But they dont
December 13th, 2025 at 8:37 pm
Where’s Tom Moore in all this ? It appears that he only draws a check. One would think that a man of his age and wisdom would not by shy in speaking out publicly. After all at 80 something ( I’m close) what does he have to fear ? I forgot, it’s all about the money.
December 13th, 2025 at 8:38 pm
Sal, not sure I put that totally on Bowles. You either have a passion for the game, or you don’t. It just seems like D White was never totally bought in. He flamed out in Philly as well. Maybe he did need some extra mentorship, but there is only so much a coach can do. All the talent in the world, just don’t think football is life for him.
December 13th, 2025 at 8:41 pm
Baker has to roll out more also tell OC he is too pass happy
Against falcons 44 passes n 19rund sucks