Bruce Arians Comments On Baker Mayfield Injury Impact
January 26th, 2026
Baker Mayfield started all 17 games this season for the third consecutive Tampa Bay campaign.
Mayfield also was on the injured list at times for his non-throwing shoulder, his throwing shoulder, an oblique problem and a knee issue. Sometimes it was multiple problems at once.
Officially, he was listed as a full-go starter on the final injury report for 15 of 17 games. Mayfield was “questionable” entering Week 4 (Eagles) and in Week 13 (Cardinals). He certainly looked 100 percent in Week 18 against the Panthers, initiating contact (foolishly?) and moving well.
Bucco Bruce Arians is a paid senior advisor to Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht and he’s a great friend to Todd Bowles. So Joe assumes Arians knows a thing or two about the Bucs behind the scenes. Joe also assumes Arians has talked to his handpicked defensive coaches, Kevin Ross and Nick Rapone, guys removed from the Bucs’ payroll this month.
Last week, Arians was asked on FanDuel TV about the impact Mayfield’s injury.
Kay Adams: How much was the injury a factor in your eyes in how he played down the stretch?
Bruce Arians: Yeah, I think it mattered, that and we kept blowing leads. And I think he felt like he had to put it all on his shoulders. Early in the year, he had the magic and he pulled the games out. Later in the year he couldn’t quite get it done.”
How much was the offense limited because of Mayfield’s injuries? It’s a great mystery of the 2025 season. Still, the Bucs had more than enough offense — and talent — to avoid finishing 2-7 down the stretch.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:03 am
Doesn’t look like Mayfield is as tough as he thinks he is. If he had a healthy oline and a real defense and wasn’t so careless with his body we could compete. It’s a Bucs life.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:09 am
the resident high school experts will soon be here to tell us they know more about Baker’s injuries than people who work at One buc
I think its most likely a combination of injury and the Oline with a sprinkle of over confidence or thinking HE had to make something happen. Some throws were obviously bad decisions he thought he could pull of
January 26th, 2026 at 11:10 am
“And we kept blowing leads”
There you have it. Your boy Bowles couldn’t keep a lead. Our Oline was a mess this year – so I give the offense a bit of a pass. But our defense? Our scheme is too complicated and we lack playmakers. Fix it please!
January 26th, 2026 at 11:22 am
With a healthy O-line, a healthy Baker, hopefully an upgrade at OC, and all the skill weapons available, our offense should be just fine this year. It’s the defense that worries most of us. We’ve got to have a good draft and pick up a couple of decent defensive FAs to have a chance at clawing back the Division title and making the playoffs. I’m just not real optimistic about that happening. I hope I’m wrong!
January 26th, 2026 at 11:23 am
HopetheBucswin Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 11:03 am
Doesn’t look like Mayfield is as tough as he thinks he is.
^^^^^^^^^^^
You’re incorrect, IMHO. Baker showed great toughness.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:27 am
Another reason why I thought the BUCS would get a new head coach is the QB situation. They let Trask go, brought in Bridgewater who looked like he had no business on the field. I understand that we dont know what Trask can do or cannot ( I am not a fan of Trask by any means), but atleast he had the motivation to play hard. Why get an experienced Backup when there is no plan to use that experience
January 26th, 2026 at 11:29 am
He’s got to learn how to SLIDE and to just get outta bounds, and live to fight another day.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:33 am
I think the zone running scheme will help the offense.
I’m looking forward. JMac Tez E double. I need two more.
With Drew Lock or Justin Fields in the qb room right now.
Backups. There’s a high possibility that Zack Rob would be the next HC for the Buccaneers. Forward thinking Glazers. We will be talk about defense a lot when draft time comes around 🤙🏾👊🏾
January 26th, 2026 at 11:34 am
Bucs could have a good offense if they avoid the injuries and invest in some quality backups for the OL and qb as the guards and Bridgewater were definitely not NFL caliber last season. However, if the Bucs spend coin building depth on the offense, how are they going to deal with the D, which is in far worse shape Lavonte is probably done and SVD is not a starter plus there are holes on the DL and absolutely no edge rush? Throw in the fact that the team’s best CB is leaving via free agency and you can see a lot of holes to fill but only so much coin under the cap. having draft picks are nice, but usually if these dudes pan out, it is a couple of seasons down the road, not 2026 and even a great GM is not going to hit on all of his picks; some will be busts like Braswell, Trask, Aguayo, OJ Howard, MJ Stewart, etc…..
January 26th, 2026 at 11:39 am
The truth about Baker’s injuries is “the truth will never be known! Why, it would only be assumptions\conjectures to post meaningless what “ifs”. So, with Baker himself, hopefully he will learn to adapt his style of play to his age. If he cannot adapt, he will be that washed-up has been quarterback that a third of the folks who post on this site think he is!
January 26th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Mayfail needs to learn how to slide. He’s not worth a pee hole in the snow when he’s injured, he got ran out of CLE because he refused to be benched. The Christmas game at Green Bay was particularly embarrassing, absolutely no velocity on the ball and I think it was a 4 interception game.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Pathetic defense!!! did not help
January 26th, 2026 at 11:45 am
Most of Baker’s injuries occur by the way he plays the game! So, with Baker himself, hopefully he will learn to adapt his style of play to his age. If he cannot adapt, he will be that washed-up has been quarterback that a third of the folks who post on this site think he is!
January 26th, 2026 at 11:46 am
“Bruce Arians: Yeah, I think it mattered, that and we kept blowing leads.”
And who pray tell would be the one blowing those leads I wonder???
Oh, that’s right. Never mind. We aren’t allowed to go there.
It was the OC and defensive assistants that caused the Hindenburg style collapse.
Problem solved folks! We brought in a run first OC to go with a run first HC\DC.
Good thing we have high paid, high drafted WRs to block for those run plays!
With this defense we can win every game 13-3!!!!!
January 26th, 2026 at 11:56 am
The Curse of Ariens…..his legacy is Bowzo
January 26th, 2026 at 11:57 am
“that and we kept blowing leads. And I think he felt like he had to put it all on his shoulders.”
Bingo. It appears Bruce hasn’t completely lost it.
This is exactly what I said in that TJ Housh article about Baker. Anyone watching the Bucs consistently, could see this.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
For as great of a coach that he is, sometimes I really am amazed by what comes out of his mouth.
The offense wasn’t so good that there were a ton of great leads to blow in the back half, but he’s correct in that there were some, and one that was significant against atlanta is what ended up killing the season.
But the only coach left on his tree, his legacy, has the most answering to do for bowling that lead.
I would just answer generically from now on Bruce. You’re not doing Todd any more favors with those types of answers.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:18 pm
There’s one thing that I’d like to clarify better.
I watched every game and if memory serves me correctly, Baker didn’t get hurt running the ball. He got hurt in those twisting, turning, multiple defender pocket-collapse sacks! Those types of sacks are the most dangerous to a QB’s health.
Baker’s actually adopted a more shoulder-down impact setup in a lot of his running plays. Hitting an an off-balance opponent like that can be much safer when the opponent is not squared-off in some way against the runner.
Please tell me if my memory was not correct pertaining to injuries resulting from runs.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
I blame Bowles because he insisted on giving a job to a backup QB who couldn’t play, simply because he wanted to help a fellow minority.
Jobs should be earned, and Teddy did not earn his.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
HC Grover Says:
“The Curse of Ariens…..his legacy is Bowzo”
Arians is not a curse.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Love how we gloss over the blowing leads part. Bowles and his defense are the problem.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
We need 2 CBs, 2 ILBs and 2 Edge Rushers but let’s keep talking about Baker and his injuries.
Have we hired a DC yet?
Yawn!!!
January 26th, 2026 at 12:38 pm
Drunk Uncle Bruce still talking.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
ExBrown – good point about Mayfield’s injuries being potentially tied to sacks as apposed to scrambling for first downs.
Let’s face it, losing both our starting guards AND their backups crushed our offense this year – as it should. But still put up enough points for any decent defense to keep us in games and pull out more wins.
It’s not the O that’s the problem, it’s the D. With that, I’m glad we moved to Zac instead of Grizz.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Arians doesn’t know what he is talking about. We all have it on the good authority of RodMuncher that Baker was faking those injuries, much like he faked the torn abrum shoulder surgery in 2021. Munch’s wife, DavidBigBucsFan99, agrees with her husband.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:54 pm
Go away BA !
Leftwich
Bowels
Sheet sandwich crammed down our throats!
You have failed at your job!
January 26th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
It’s evident we didn’t have the players at the end of the season.Injuries kept backups playing more often than not. I’ve watched the Bucs from the 70’s and never remember seeing so many first team players on the sidelines. Glad 2025 is behind us. It’s got to be better in 2026. GO BUCS.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
One thing about running QB’s is they don’t wear the same kind of shoulder pads running backs do, hinders throwing the ball
January 26th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Pretty sure Baker doesn’t play defense. Maybe we should ask why Bowles defense gave up so many leads. Or how you convert 3 and 28. Why you got DE running 40 yards down the field with a running back.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:12 pm
The REAL MYSTERY is how Bucs Brass has not sat down Mayfield and told him ” Listen Son we all know how tough you are so you do not need to try to prove it every time you scramble by taking on LB’s and DB’s straight on, because we need you healthy not beat up”.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:14 pm
exBrowns02 Says: “I watched every game and if memory serves me correctly, Baker didn’t get hurt running the ball. He got hurt in those twisting, turning, multiple defender pocket-collapse sacks! Those types of sacks are the most dangerous to a QB’s health.”
This was another part of the reason why I’ve been saying that he needs to just get the hell outta there, as soon as it starts to breakdown. Abandon Ship, IMMEDIATELY. Just get the hell out so you can SEE open receivers, and find a good clean throwing lane. It also, helps prevent you from constantly getting nicked-up, and bent-up like a fricking pretzel, all the damn time. Get outside the pocket, and extend the play out on the perimeter, and then sling-it to the open receiver. Or, just get outta bounds, throw-it away, and SLIDE whenever you decide to run-it up field.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
We need a Tight end, a RB to replace White and another guard who is more capable than our backups or a center to replace Barton who could move to guard.
Defense we need ILB and edge in FA.
Draft ILB, Corner ILB and guard in draft. Trade up in 1st to get Styles if need be as he is a difference maker. If not make sure you get Hill Jr. who I think is also a beast and can maybe be had on a trade down.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:18 pm
Baker has been learning to slide more instead of lowering his shoulders or stiff arming defenders like a RB. He needs to keep that up.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Don’t know about you all, but it sure didn’t sound like such a glowing endorsement of Good Ol’ Bake Bake. I suppose that would be a real hard thing to handout right now!!!!
January 26th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
It’s like Arians said “he had the magic”. And that’s all that matters, that the folks that know Baker has the magic even when he is playing with a banged up offensive line. The only thing that slows him down is being hurt multiple times. He’s got the magic says the superbowl winning coach. Pretty good stuff.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Whose idea was it to have Bridgewater as a backup with no confidence or plan to put him in if your starter gets injuried. He looked like the hs coach he was before the bucs decided to sign him to back up Mayfield so many mistakes but yeah let’s run that back 🫠
January 26th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
Of course Melvy and the rest hears ” it sure didn’t sound like such a glowing endorsement”. Normal people not full of hate would hear, the injuries mattered and the defense kept blowing the lead Baker would get us. So he, Baker, felt pressed to do more but he couldn’t at the end because the “injuries mattered”. But the crew, all 5, heard Baker suckes. Mental, they say hate will do that…
January 26th, 2026 at 1:30 pm
@ Canabuc Says: “or a center to replace Barton who could move to guard.”
Yeah, I was thinking about this just the other day! It’s a thought. But, seems-like he really struggled there too, last season. Maybe, a full offseason and training camp at the ‘position’ would do the trick!? Has to be on the table for consideration. If it had been myself, I would’ve traded up just a couple of spots for Linderbaum though, instead of trading back for fricken Hall. So, there’s that! LoL
January 26th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
Darnold is going to the SB winning two games with what’s probably a torn oblique. Stop the injury BS with Baker. There were picks that were poor decisions, not injury related. Baker played bad down the stretch, as did the team. Let’s not sugar coat it with the injury excuses. Hopefully he bounces back under Robinson, but Baker was part of the problem after the bye.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:37 pm
I am almost as sick of Bruce Arians’ comments as of Todd Bowles’, to be honest.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Is anyone going to mention that having Teddy Bridgewater at backup QB was criminal negligence? This is not a pro-Trask comment. But it is a pro “someone currently playing pro football at least” comment.
With a better backup QB maybe you get a win out of a game Baker was 100%.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Wasn’t *
January 26th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
He took a pretty good pop in the rams game while scrambling .. that’s what brouugt teddy in. On sliding, I remember years back he said he didn’t prefer sliding, as that exposed his ankles and knees to year ending injuries. He’ll slide if he sees he’s got room to land , apart from a missle heading to his legs.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:09 pm
Baker needs a jolt of competition.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
I still believe Lying Todd got paranoid about turnovers, particularly with Mayfield injured, and made them nerf the offense. Grizzard was probably a fall guy for following orders.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:16 pm
Mayfield is like my 4 pound Yorkie who is ballsy, brazen and fears nothing. But when you play with men that are 50-100 pounds bigger and stronger, it’s gonna eventually catch up with you in a big way. It’s Russian roulette. Love Baker and his attitude but part of being a great QB, a franchise QB is to play SMART football. Playing recklessly is not smart. Jaxson Dart needs to learn that same lesson.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:49 pm
Good Analogy Newb
January 26th, 2026 at 2:50 pm
Baker is not a 6’5” 240lbs QB . his body cannot endure hits over 17 NFL games. That’s why most teams have a serviceable backup QB. Bowles let Trask go –for What ?? and picked up Teddy !!!!
When is BA’s consulting contract up ?? Maybe he and Bowles go both ride of into the sunset some day–sooner the better…..
January 26th, 2026 at 2:51 pm
Bokeh Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 2:09 pm
Baker needs a jolt of competition.
BINGO!!!!!!!
folks say baker plays better when his back is against the wall, so lets test that BS theory lol….
bring in Trey Lance & Malik Willis and have Baker compete…
lets see if he plays with “killer instinct” or if he plays “injured” lol
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 26th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
I think 5he only reason 5he Bucs were close 4o making the playoffs is because Baker DID NOT slide wh3n he “should have. Many 3rd and 4th down conversions were because of his extra effort and willingness to take a hit to get the first down.we had too many close games for him to 5ake the liberty of protecting himself. He would have be3n called soft or stupid if he hadn’t converted those 3rd and 4th down runs in close games. The t3am overall is not good enough to have a soft QB that won’t take the yardage the defense gives him, and many times that means getting hitting g by multiple defenders at the 1st down marker or before and driving to get a 1st down. I wish it wasn’t so but the way the team is built now he can’t do anything less.
Almost every game was close and REQUIRED the extra effort from the QB.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
“Baker is not a 6’5” 240lbs QB . his body cannot endure hits over 17 NFL games”
Jack Strand is, and he’s got a better arm too
January 26th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
“folks say baker plays better when his back is against the wall, so lets test that BS theory lol….”
It would bring out his insecurities and he’d get all b*tchy like he did about Stefanski. I know female tendencies when I see them, a lot of the Baker fans on here talk the same way. 5 yrs later bro, get over it she doesn’t want you now just like she didn’t want you back then
January 26th, 2026 at 3:10 pm
3rd and 28 … Bruce
January 26th, 2026 at 3:38 pm
Double edge sword…BA is the reason we won a championship, but he’s also the reason TB is still the head coach!
January 26th, 2026 at 3:47 pm
1st and goal from the 1 yard line…. While we’re tossing down and distance impotence around
January 26th, 2026 at 3:47 pm
@MadMax he just said “we kept blowing leads” — essentially blaming the defense. Everybody knows. And Bowles has one shot at fixing it. Watch 4 out 7 picks go to the D-line!
January 26th, 2026 at 3:54 pm
@Newbie
Man you gave me a flashback – my best boy Ozzie was a Shorkie.
Bravest little fellow I’ve ever seen… He protected me and my girl and our 2 cats and other dog. I swear he would have fought a bear to protect his family. I miss that little guy so much.
January 26th, 2026 at 3:58 pm
“1st and goal from the 1 yard line…. While we’re tossing down and distance impotence around”
Pick inside the 5, waste 3 plays just to kick a PAT with no TD lol
January 26th, 2026 at 4:09 pm
Tom Petty, couple that grit and loyalty with a cannon for a right arm and legs to boot you have a top rated quarterback no doubt.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:14 pm
813, I’m quite sure you and your 6 other friends are the only ones still questioning Bakers toughness. But hey when you have nothing else you are forced to say stupid bs. And you have the market cornered in the bs category.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
WBL you should know female tendencies….
January 26th, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Bonzai … ‘I blame Bowles because he insisted on giving a job to a backup QB who couldn’t play, simply because he wanted to help a fellow minority.’
How do you know it was Bowles and not Licht who wanted Teddy? And if it was Bowles, why didn’t Licht override him? And that part about ‘help a fellow minority’? Wow Bonzai, isn’t that kind of akin to saying that he’s got a racist predisposition? Take a look at our coaching staff and see if you still think that.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:18 pm
WBLoser he’s done it for 8 years while being hurt less than most.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:27 pm
Right on Chris
January 26th, 2026 at 4:28 pm
Sorry folks but very few of this year’s problems can be laid at Baker Mayfield’s feet. He is the only reason Tampa was even a contender this year.
He was on the field 17 games while the majority of his offensive weapons were standing on the sideline in street clothes.. O-Line was horrible, Evans, Godwin, Irving and even Egbuka were unavailable for a majority of the year.. And the Defense was an embarrassment!
When Baker got injured the first time Bowles should have sat him until he was completely healed..
Better find another scapegoat for last year, because Baker ain’t it!
And I would suggest Licht step up and sign Baker to a 5 year deal, otherwise someone else will..
January 26th, 2026 at 4:28 pm
Hodad … ‘Darnold is going to the SB winning two games with what’s probably a torn oblique.’
Didn’t know that, but I do know that Seattle runs the ball more than we do (my guess is that they went heavier run when Darnold was hurting). They ran it on right at 50% of their plays last season (507 rushes on 1015 plays), whereas we ran it on 44% of our plays. Still we both ended up with the same average … 4.1 YPC.
It probably helped that the Seahawks had the #1 defense though, only allowing 17.2 PPG average. Bucs’ defense were like 1 TD average MORE than that (24.2 PPG). Gives a QB a lot of latitude to make mistakes each game.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:29 pm
Someone put grandpa to bed. Why is he in the news? Dinosaur. Extinct. Brady is gone and the passengers that were here get way too much credit for a SB that Brady won. These passengers just happened to be here at that point in time. Arians and Licht haven’t won anything since Brady left. If say division titles in the worst/or 2nd worst based on winning %…then have at you. Great! SMDH
January 26th, 2026 at 4:35 pm
bowles did a wonderful job developing darnold
January 26th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
The good thing is, the powers that be like Baker and don’t give a rip what you haters think and will do what it takes to keep him around, a big fat contract. So settle in and get used to it. Before he leaves he will own most if not all the records in the organization. So get used to it. King Baker.🤴🏽😂
January 26th, 2026 at 5:30 pm
What it is Says: “It’s like Arians said “he had the magic”.
I knew you people would just hear what YOU wanted to hear here. You can’t rely on “Magic” (or luck) to continuously happen every time. It’s not sustainable. So, how bout play better throughout the first 3-QUARTERS, and then you won’t have to hold your breath and cross your fingers, every damn game we play. It’s been his calling card.
It was just the complete ‘opposite’ this season than the one he had with Canales. He pulled those games out early in the season this year, and then did NOT late. It was vice-versa under Canales… When, he didn’t ‘early’ in the season, but then did late down the stretch with another weak schedule.
The ONE-THING he was ‘consistent’ at doing was playing like straight GARBAGE for all throughout the first 3 to 3 and a half QUARTERS. You can’t rely on him in the longterm. He’s a mostly competent, solid, slightly above average ‘starting’ QB in the league, who can play like a Top-10 QB at certain times, but then give you a Bottom-10 performance for the rest of the time. He will be looked at as a solid “Bridge” QB from here on out.
January 26th, 2026 at 5:34 pm
“I remember years back he said he didn’t prefer sliding, as that exposed his ankles and knees to year ending injuries.”
That’s total BS. Possibly back then, but not now! Not with the new rules. Once a QUARTERBACK begins to make his “SLIDE,” he has given up the play and is marked ‘down’ right THERE, on the spot. And, he cannot be hit. Hell, probably not even TOUCHED, with today’s rules.
January 26th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
@ Dsmith Says: “And I would suggest Licht step up and sign Baker to a 5 year deal, otherwise someone else will.. ”
That’s ABSURD. WHO THEN!? Who’s giving HIM “5-YEARS!?” NO ONE IS. And, for HOW MUCH!? I’m talking $$$$’s… How Much $$$$$ (and guaranteed money) are ‘YOU’ GIVING HIM!? Cause, I’d like to know what you’re thinking!?
And, as far as I know, this Sam Darnold “oblique” or whatever it is just showed up sometime between the end of the season and their first playoff game. I’m not sure it was an ‘issue’ during the regular season at all!? Either way, HE seems to be playing even better WITH IT. He’s really coming into his own now, and he’s still ONLY 28-YEARS OLD, just hitting his PRIME for QB’s.
January 26th, 2026 at 5:48 pm
@ What it is – What “big fat contract!?” For a 32-36 year old “Bridge-QB.” For what amount then… HOW MUCH $$$$ Are ‘YOU’ Handing HIM To Lock Him Up, So That He Stays Here!? Including, Guaranteed $$$$.
January 26th, 2026 at 5:55 pm
He’ll get another 3-year deal at BEST, with 2-years worth of guarantees. Unless, he decides to bet on ‘himself’ again, by taking a 1-yr/$30-something MIL deal somewhere. Him and his agent seem to have big dreams of 5yrs/$300MIL+ in their minds, and “NO DISCOUNTS.” It ain’t happenin, nor will it be anywhere even close. But, hey… It’s okay to dream though, so might as well DREAM BIG. Hahahah
January 26th, 2026 at 6:01 pm
Everyone loves how Mayfield plays and his will to sacrifice his body to fire up his team or save a drive. Since Cleveland he’s proven he can’t stay healthy doing it. At some point he needs to learn to find other ways or his career isn’t going to last long. He’s not Josh Allen, and even Allen is going to hit that point to where injuries are going to hurt his career and their chance to get to a Super Bowl. Mayfield needs to learn to look out for his health #1. Wanna know why Brady made it so long…. Took care of himself and used his brain instead on brute force to win. Time for a change Mayfield
January 26th, 2026 at 6:19 pm
@melvin – you and I are usually lock step in our opinions. BUT…a healthy Baker is a QB you can win with. If Stafford retires? The Rams will pony up for Baker at $50 mill+ – no doubt. The guy is a gamer and just like most QBs…when asked to play within his limits he is very successful. Bowles Defense sucks so Baker KNOWS he has to go above and beyond. Even Brady couldn’t out-win Bowles crappy defense. Jason Licht and the Glazers are complicit in ruining this window.
Licht, Glazers and old mean geezer Arians are now the enemy of the Bucs. They suck. Living off of Brady. Leeches. SMDH
January 26th, 2026 at 6:20 pm
@ Miller5252 Says: “Wanna know why Brady made it so long…. Took care of himself and used his brain.”
Yep, there it is in a nutshell. That’s exactly what I was saying yesterday, or at least part of it LoL. That is the exact reason why Baker himself, and all of his antics, has always completely turned me OFF on him from the very beginning. He lacks ANY ‘self-awareness’ whatsoever. And, the reason for that is because he is just way too ‘self-centered’ and not very smart. Brady had the ‘height’ and MIND. Baker has short man’s disease. They both a very large ‘chip’ on their shoulders, but Brady was an ADULT who used HIS BRAIN.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:23 pm
‘74 Bucs Fan Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 11:10 am
“And we kept blowing leads”
There you have it. Your boy Bowles couldn’t keep a lead.
——–
What game, outside of the Atlanta game where Baker was awful, throwing one of the worst 4th quarter INT’s you’ll ever see, then missing a basic pass that I can make that would have ended the game — outside of that, what game did the Bucs have a big lead in and blow?
I mean over the last 7 games the offense only averaged 18.2 points a game – so how big of a lead could they ever actually have?
January 26th, 2026 at 6:41 pm
In Tom Brady’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 26,370 yards. In Baker Mayfield’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 28,525 yards. Each of them threw 197 td passes in their first 8 years. Baker runs the ball alot better than Brady ever could. Baker has more intangibles. Alot more moxie. Plus, he makes the game more fun having him on the team. He’s 30 years old and wherever he plays he’s one of the games biggest draws. WBL and Munch. Load that up in your pipes and smoke it.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:43 pm
Much Says: “I mean over the last 7 games the offense only averaged 18.2 points a game – so how big of a lead could they ever actually have?”
Yeah, one of these idiots the other day was spewing this garbage about our offense, and that it was our DEFENSE that blew-it, & etc. I was like, you do know that OUR OFFENSE was quite possibly THE WORST in the entire LEAGUE, throughout the second-half of the season, right!? Couldn’t score 20-POINTS, and our ONLY ‘TWO’ WINS were against the Cardinals and Panthers AT HOME. Hell, OUR DEFENSE actually held all these ‘terrible’ teams pretty good and kept us in the game!? Wonder where our Defense Ranked in “Opponents PPG Allowed” for those final 6-games of the season!? Then, where did our Offense Rank for the final 7-games, with most of their weapons available!? The OFFENSE is what let us down. We never expected for our DEFENSE to be our strongpoint, and haven’t in YEARS.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:46 pm
Rod. Can you say Baker Mayfield will sign the biggest contract signing in Tampa Bay history? By a long shot? Cause that’s what is fixing to happen.
January 26th, 2026 at 7:11 pm
Kenton Smith Says: “he makes the game more fun having him on the team. He’s 30 years old and wherever he plays he’s one of the games biggest draws.”
I had way more fun with Brady, and it wasn’t even close. Just waaaayy more EXCITING. Sorry, but I’m just not impressed with MY QB jumping up in defenders faces after a 6-yard run, and head-butting O-Linemen and such. There was always at least ‘one of those’ on every team I ever played for (usually not the most athletic), and we always just ‘laughed’ at them. They were always, the biggest douches on the team. It’s just does not do anything at all, for me. NOT impressed. It’s like they’re trying to overcompensate for something else, and it NEVER EVER comes across as being “organic.” It’s all forced and FAKE AF. I prefer MY QB being FOCUSED and the ‘ADULT’ in the room. Then, to get his ass back to the huddle, call the next play, and just LEAD THE DAMN TEAM.
January 26th, 2026 at 7:14 pm
NOBODY is attaching their selves to BAKER for 5-YEARS, longterm. It just ain’t happenin. 💯
January 26th, 2026 at 7:19 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
I blame Bowles because he insisted on giving a job to a backup QB who couldn’t play, simply because he wanted to help a fellow minority.
————
dude get your racist nonsense out of here
A) you are not in Bowles mind
B) Coaches don’t sign checks
January 26th, 2026 at 7:22 pm
MelvinJunior. We’ve got Munch and WBL loading up their pipes and smoking it. Appears you’re more in tune with mainlining it.
January 26th, 2026 at 7:27 pm
Rod you need to be the QB. If you can make,a,pass,that Baker can’t b then suit up..
January 26th, 2026 at 7:47 pm
He’s actually, not in an ideal spot. Not only is it going to be a TOUGH schedule, it’s also going to be all he can do to just make-it through the entire season unscathed health-wise. During a CONTRACT YEAR. Then, due to his age, style of play, injury history, and very ‘inconsistent’ level of play… Teams are NOT going to be so generously open to tying themselves up to HIM longterm, through his 36-year old season. And, when there will be just a very small ‘limited’ number of teams even in the market, to begin with.
You’ll start with maybe, MAYBE, up to a dozen ‘potential’ landing spots. Then, you can immediately ELIMINATE HALF of those due to drafting a QB, in an absolute LOADED CLASS. I mean, WHY would ANY of those teams be interested in THAT!? Paying a 32-year old banged-up and inconsistent veteran, WHEN you can DRAFT YOUR FUTURE on the cheap for basically nothing.
So, now you’re down to possibly 5-6 teams left, including the Bucs. And, HALF of them will not be in a position ‘Salary Cap Wise’ to be able to handout $50-$60MIL+ per year, (&/or) will just flat out refuse to do so, with other ‘cheaper’ free agent QB options available. Including Mac Jones (I think San Fran already has him locked-up for next season), and others.
So, there you have it… Baker being right back in the exact SAME situation, that he was in the last time. HE WILL BE FORCED TO SETTLE, and then TAKE WHAT HE CAN GET. Unless, he just decides to take a 1-year deal again, and I can’t see that ever happening. Not as HIS age. So, he’ll be lucky to get another ‘mid-level’ deal, for up to 3-years/2-years with guaranteed $$$$. It just is what it is.
January 26th, 2026 at 7:54 pm
And, that s exactly WHY the Bucs are NOT ‘extending’ him during this offseason. Because, it would make absolutely NO SENSE. It would actually be STUPID and NEGLIGENT to do so. And, IF he morphs into Sam Darnold (LoL) for one season, then great for him. Let someone else give him a 4-year/$200-MIL+ Deal, with about $150-MIL Fully Guaranteed.
January 26th, 2026 at 8:03 pm
But, if he gets ‘injured’ (&/or) the Bucs have another disastrous season, which is a huge probability at this point, given the schedule (&/etc.), then all bets are OFF. He’ll do real good to get a 2yr/$60-MIL Deal somewhere. If, he’s lucky.
January 26th, 2026 at 8:03 pm
Hoping Baker has a stellar 2026 and tells Licht to shove it at the end. Licht should be sued for GM malpractice for not holding Bowles responsible, not hiring a DC, not firing a ST coach that stunk all season, not signing edge rushers and not making moves at the trade deadline.
Nice that you hit on late round picks, they will never be superstars but not hitting on first round defensive picks is what makes a team sink. That is what is happening to the Bucs now. Sinking Pirate ship based on bad defensive line draft picks. Gotta have a superstar up front, Bucs don’t have it.
January 26th, 2026 at 8:09 pm
Good God Melvin – settle down. 🤣🤣🤣
January 26th, 2026 at 8:10 pm
So, NOBODY has more riding on THIS season, than the ‘trio’ of Baker, Bowles, & Lickt. They are all three tied together! 💯
January 26th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
Haha yeah, I know, Tom! LoL
January 26th, 2026 at 8:31 pm
@ buccintimeforchanges – they were all saying today that Stafford is not retiring. And, popular opinion from all the ‘insiders’ is the Rams are a lot more interested in drafting a QB. Most thought it would be in this year’s draft, and was a big reason for why they made the trade with ATL last year! But, this year’s draft is possibly an ‘all-time’ weak class, AND I don’t believe they expected Stafford to appear to still have this much left in the tank (due to injuries). So, my gut is they sign him on a ‘year-to-year’ basis (maybe, even a 2-year deal, they were saying this morning), & then DRAFT their future QB in an absolutely LOADED 2027-Class. Regardless, THEY aren’t giving Baker $50-MIL+ Fully-Guaranteed on ANY 1 or 2 year deal. They’re not even paying STAFFORD anywhere NEAR THAT.
January 26th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 6:41 pm
In Tom Brady’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 26,370 yards. In Baker Mayfield’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 28,525 yards. Each of them threw 197 td passes in their first 8 years. Baker runs the ball alot better than Brady ever could. Baker has more intangibles. Alot more moxie. Plus, he makes the game more fun having him on the team. He’s 30 years old and wherever he plays he’s one of the games biggest draws. WBL and Munch. Load that up in your pipes and smoke it
=====================================
Of course, you are right, Kenton, but the anti Mayfield crowd will tell you the game was so different way back then when Brady played with a leather helmet. Just the usual nonsense from the bedwetters. Next we will hear how Drake Maye “won’ the AFC Championship throwing for 86 yards vs Denver. There should be a competency requirement to post here.
January 26th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
“In Tom Brady’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 26,370 yards. In Baker Mayfield’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 28,525 yards.“
We gotta get these Browns fans tf outta here, this is getting out of hand lol
January 26th, 2026 at 8:54 pm
Add a real capable back up QB to our list of needs for the offseason. If they keep Grannie Two Gloves as the back up they are tanking for a reset in 27.
January 26th, 2026 at 9:22 pm
Hodad, How do you know that Darnold’s injury is probably/ specifically a torn oblique? Do you have inside information? Not to take anything away from Darnold. He played great and I’m sure he is a tough guy too! After all, I heard that he is a grandson of the original Marlboro Man from those 60’s commercials. I’m as happy for Sam Darnold as I am for Baker. Both have undeservingly been put through the ringer by malicious media and stupid fans.
January 26th, 2026 at 9:54 pm
Sam Darnold and team are going to the superbowl. Baker and team goes out and beats Sam Darnold. It was a classic quarterback dual that Baker won. Sam Darnold has a record of 30-7. Only 2 quarterbacks have had a better record. Brady and Mahomes. For almost 3 years they have been the best. They are going to the superbowl. Baker beat him. We are so close to going ourselves. That’s why Todd kept his job, we are that close and everyone knows it.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:01 pm
WBL said it best it’s getting out of hand. Only it’s been out of hand with you bonehead Baker haters.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:29 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 6:46 pm
Rod. Can you say Baker Mayfield will sign the biggest contract signing in Tampa Bay history? By a long shot? Cause that’s what is fixing to happen.
——-
You’ve convinced yourself that the Bucs are about to make Baker, coming off his worst year here, that the Bucs are about to give him a huge new deal? LOL!
I will say, maybe, like in 2024, the Bucs low-ball him and no one else makes an offer – perhaps in a situation like that, if they give him like a “5-year” deal that is really a 1-year extension for like $30M just to see if he bounces back and they can get a deal if he does, but the idea he’s about to get a 5-year/$300M extension is pretty laughable.
But hey, we shall see… I’m sure the big news will be coming any minute now for sure.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:35 pm
Warren Brooks Lynch Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
“In Tom Brady’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 26,370 yards. In Baker Mayfield’s first 8 years in the NFL he threw for 28,525 yards.“
We gotta get these Browns fans tf outta here, this is getting out of hand lol
——–
LOL!
This is why I endless mock The Baker Boi(s). Not a one of them could even name a player on the roster before Baker got here, outside of Tom Brady – and they only know that because they think Baker is overshadowed by Brady, but Baker is clearly the superior player in their mind.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:38 pm
Mayfields play has not once made an impact on how that garbage defense looks. Adios Lovie Bowles
January 26th, 2026 at 10:43 pm
Some fun facts…
Through the first 5-years of their career – speaks for itself…
Winston, 19737 yards, 121 TDs, 57.2 QBR
1044 yards rushing, 4.2 yards per rush, 10 TDs
11 game winning drives
Mayfield, 16288 yards, 102 TDs, 51.2 QBR
660 yards rushing, 3.5 yards per rush, 6 TDs
8 game winning drives
January 26th, 2026 at 10:48 pm
BA sucks now, move on
January 26th, 2026 at 10:49 pm
Hugh Glazerhouse Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 10:48 pm
BA sucks now, move on
—–
Go back to doing your bit, that was entertaining. Your actual thoughts are really stupid and boring.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:51 pm
Rod ButtMunch, we get it. You’re obsessed with Baker. Come out already…
January 26th, 2026 at 10:53 pm
Oh wait, of course…
Through the first 5-years of their career – speaks for itself…
Winston, 19737 yards, 121 TDs, 57.2 QBR
1044 yards rushing, 4.2 yards per rush, 10 TDs
11 game winning drives
Mayfield, 16288 yards, 102 TDs, 51.2 QBR
660 yards rushing, 3.5 yards per rush, 6 TDs
8 game winning drives
Brady, 13925 yards, 97 TDs, QBR unknown as it didn’t exist yet
333 yards rushing, 1.8 yards per rush, 3 TDs
12 game winning drives
Clearly Winston is the best of the three – but Brady seems to be a winner, edging out Winston for game winning drives. Baker is sort of the middling option, but not a winner.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:59 pm
I don’t get the whole thing about some QB “refused to be benched.” Like he punched out the HC and ran over him getting to the huddle?
January 26th, 2026 at 10:59 pm
“Where’s the Munch Report?! I can’t sleep!!” – Hugh
January 26th, 2026 at 11:12 pm
“Not a one of them could even name a player on the roster before Baker got here, outside of Tom Brady – and they only know that because they think Baker is overshadowed by Brady, but Baker is clearly the superior player in their mind.“
Right, when the real comp is Ryan Fitzpatrick, he just didn’t have the marketing Mayfield does 😂
Some of the guys who followed Baker here, think Ali Marpet has always looked skinny. They definitely don’t know the legend of Breshaed Perriman.
January 27th, 2026 at 2:44 am
Hugh Glazerhouse Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 10:59 pm
“Where’s the Munch Report?! I can’t sleep!!” – Hugh
——–
I like it better where the two are conversing and making a comment like that, tying it into being cheap. But I’ll take it!
January 27th, 2026 at 5:59 am
Rod, I was showing 8 years. Your 5 year shows Jameis has talent. That is a known. I remember Florida State paid a million dollars to make rape charges go away when Winston played there. Jameis also had settlement with molested girl. It was said he was a thief in college and we know he was a criminal thief as a pro. Guys like that let their entire organization down. Number one pick who you are comparing to the Goat and Baker. You are eat up with it Muncher.
January 27th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Shoot, I like the way you took that. Don’t make me like you, Rod Munch!
January 27th, 2026 at 9:41 am
Kenton. Actually Jamies had eye witnesses that it was consental but I we know why regardless rather he’s didn’t do it he’s still guilty because of the skin color of the woman.
January 27th, 2026 at 9:42 am
Rather he
January 27th, 2026 at 9:47 am
Go look at the defenses Jamies had and the running game ? Go see who had to throw the ball up the field the most. Go look at the division back then vs right now? Big difference between the 2 quarterbacks . Baker has no excuse for his play last year the second half and stop with the injury excuse because he had a broken finger on his throwing hand and y’all didn’t give him the injury excuse. How about the kickers Jamies kicker vs Baker Mayfield!! No excuses for Baker it was a bust season.
January 27th, 2026 at 10:09 am
Thieving wasn’t a one off Oneilbuc. Or groping uber drivers. I’m all for forgiveness but your number one pick pulling that nonsense let’s down teammate’s and the entire organization. Haven’t mentioned I’ve never seen a QB throw so many pick sixes. I’m not saying that Jameis didn’t have more raw talent than Baker. I’m saying Baker’s teammates don’t have to worry about Baker stuffing the seafood isle in his pants.
January 27th, 2026 at 10:45 am
Kenton. Please Baker has more weapons and playing in a weaker division and he still can’t win nothing. And by the way I’ve never seen you on here until Baker Mayfield came here.
January 27th, 2026 at 11:33 am
I don’t claim to be an expert, just a serious fan. But during those early wins, I remember thinking that if some of the nearly intercepted passes do get intercepted in other games, we’re screwed. I think a Mayfield quarterbacked team with a top 5 defense would be very successful. To succeed with an average defense you need a QB somewhere close to top 5. I love Baker’s spirit and inspirational attitude. But he’s not elite (apologies to Bryce Harper lol). And he’s not gonna get better. If there’s a QB with potential available when they pick in the second round, maybe they should go there.
January 27th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
Oneilbuc Says:
January 27th, 2026 at 9:41 am
Kenton. Actually Jamies had eye witnesses that it was consental but I we know why regardless rather he’s didn’t do it he’s still guilty because of the skin color of the woman.
===================================
Wouldn’t expect any less of you, Oneilbuc. In your world it is all about race as you overtly mention. Mayfield’s biggest problem in your world, is he is white.