“Sometimes It Just Comes Down To Players,” Says Baker Mayfield
February 15th, 2026
Why did the Bucs offense crash in the second half of last season?
It got so bad, fall guy offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was fired last month.
Baker Mayfield hasn’t shared a ton of specifics about the decline of the offense. Ten days ago during a Super Bowl promotional chat with Fansided and Special Olympics, Mayfield was asked about what must the Bucs improve to reach next year’s Super Bowl.
Mayfield said he would only speak on the offense, and he referenced injuries but noted they are no excuse and the Bucs need more players to step up effectively.
And it smelled like he wants a few smarter teammates, and he may not blame much on Grizzard.
“Being able to execute consistently throughout the season, when you do one thing, put it in your memory bank and be able to pull it out if need be. Sometimes it just comes down to players, not Xs and Os,” Mayfield said.
As for new Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who coached Mayfield briefly in 2022, Mayfield said he’s fired up to share the man he knows.
“I’m excited for my teammates to get to be around him, just the fire he brings,” Mayfield said of Robinson. “He comes off as cool, calm and collected. And he is even-keeled, but he’s got a fire within that I can relate to. So, I’m excited for the guys to get to know him, just that he understands how to put us in the best position possible to have success on the field.”
February 15th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
In other words the roster did not have sufficient quality depth on the offensive line to withstand the injuries-Blame goes on Licht.
February 15th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Or that grizzard didn’t have the experience to adjust to something he had on the roster as all coaches have to do because all teams have injuries and need to adjust.
February 15th, 2026 at 3:38 pm
Move Anthony Nelson inside.
February 15th, 2026 at 3:40 pm
I’m sticking to my Draft guns:
1. Edge
2. OG
3. Edge
4. ILB
5-7 BPA
February 15th, 2026 at 3:41 pm
You don’t usually have 2 backup guards that are NFL starter quality. Players that are starter quality are typically starters somewhere. Losing both guards for the season was a season-ending bomb. It devastated our offense.
February 15th, 2026 at 3:56 pm
So – question for Baker –
Why did you personally suck so hard the last 10 games? You had trouble hitting a hippopotamus in the arse with a bass fiddle.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
Stpetematt Says:
You don’t usually have 2 backup guards that are NFL starter quality. Players that are starter quality are typically starters somewhere. Losing both guards for the season was a season-ending bomb. It devastated our offense.
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^^^^^ Yeah, all the injuries along the o-line were devastating.
NO team has backups on every single position that are starter quality.
And there is no GM in the NFL who can predict ahead of time which positions on the team need more depth than others.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:12 pm
It wasn’t only the guards. The amount of fluctuation on that line last year was insane.
But…Luke is injury prone. So you have to plan for that and I’m hoping that chewks getting snaps last season accelerates his development and he becomes an elite swing tackle.
We have to get a guy in FA that can start at center and guard as a legit depth piece.
Other than a starting TE and maybe a vet running back, exactly what does baker think is going to change on offense? It’s going to be the same group for the most part.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Health will change. Hopefully for the much better. It can’t get much worse, can it?
We lack starter quality personnel in about 3-4 positions on defense and yes we need a backup interior O-lineman in like the 4th round. I’d go edge-ILB-ILB-guard in the draft. Unless there’s an amazing ILB at 15. Or better yet trade down and then trade down your 2 picks in the 2nd to have 1 first round pick, 2 second rounders, and 3 third rounders. We often do really well in the 3rd and 4th round so we could get a heckuva haul doing something like that…
February 15th, 2026 at 4:40 pm
So-answer for Aqualung- you can’t risk throwing the ball for over 5 yards when your 2 guards are turnstiles in pass protection and you have 2 DT’s in your lap on every play in about 1.5 seconds after the snap. Compare how often there were people in the backfield when we had Bredeson and Mauch in there vs. when we didn’t. It was painfully obvious to me.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:45 pm
It’s almost like Tampa doesn’t scout the entire football landscape. Each year or 2, it’s pretty much redundant
Kicker/punter/ special teamer
Mid major player
Small school OL
Someone from Auburn
Someone from Washington
Someone from LSU
At least 2 players from the same school (Texas Tech?)
Undrafted WRs and OLs
February 15th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
So-answer for Aqualung- you can’t risk throwing the ball for over 5 yards when your 2 guards are turnstiles in pass protection and you have 2 DT’s in your lap on every play in about 1.5 seconds after the snap. Compare how often there were opponents in the backfield when we had Bredeson and Mauch in there vs. when we didn’t. It’s little surprise we finished the season 2-7 without NFL caliber guards.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:56 pm
Sorry- my previous post had disappeared so I re-wrote it. Then it came back, lol.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
Im just glad that Mayfield has a history with Robinson, and has bought in. He’s had a different OC every season since day one. At least there is some rapport.
Maybe it will speed up the process of getting the offense on the same page.
February 15th, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Spot on, Todd. This is the Prove It year for JL & TB. We’re already being prepared for a crappy draft and FA signings, so expect a poor season and change in GM and HC. The Bucs seem to be headed full speed into another Decade of Depression.
February 15th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Aqualung,
If it was that simple, every QB would thrive regardless of protection, separation, or scheme. The offense hit a collective slump. It wasn’t one guy suddenly forgetting how to throw
February 15th, 2026 at 5:29 pm
What Mayfield said was that the players need to play every play full tilt and it was clear they didn’t through the season. No matter who stepped in for who the responsibility is still the same for everyone: do the job you’re tasked with, period. You don’t need field glasses to see that’s what happened last year on both sides of the ball, Mayfield commented on his side but the message should be received by both sides. I think the most criminal thing the Bucs did last year was not having a decent back up QB, I think that has flown way below the radar and still can’t fathom that one. Or any number of other decisions.
February 15th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Having a short quarterback makes it hard to execute on offense especially when that quarterback throws late 4th quarters picks because he can’t see over the line.
February 15th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
That flop was a team effort led by Bowzo the Great. Everyone contributed.
February 15th, 2026 at 5:53 pm
Linderbaum
February 15th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
Drew Brees is the same height as Baker. Sean Payton took note, always made sure his interior O-line was full of pro-bowl caliber players, as pressure up the middle made passing next to impossible for him
February 15th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Oneilbuc talking like he knows all about Quarterback’s. His love child America’s turnover machine threw more interceptions and pick sixes than Baker has or ever will. By the way. That clown also threw interceptions in the 4th quarter that lost games and he was taller! But please continue to enlighten us with all your knowledge.
February 15th, 2026 at 6:16 pm
We get it already, the O-Line was a mess and caused Mayfield to make bad decisions. That’s about enough of those excuses.
Now, let’s talk defense, or extreme lack thereof.
Largely there were no long-term injuries save for Kancey.
But that isn’t enough of a reason for the wide-open Swiss cheese product on the field on a weekly basis.
Even when the offense put up 29+ a game it was barely enough for 10 wins in a putrid division. Then another playoff flop at home.
It’s the defense stupid!!!
February 15th, 2026 at 6:18 pm
Obvious Says:
…hoping that chewks getting snaps last season accelerates his development and he becomes an elite swing tackle.
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I believe with more experience, he’ll show he’s more than capable of being a starting LT. He held his own for the most part during the time he played this past season.
Let’s trade him for Max Crosby. 😉
February 15th, 2026 at 6:26 pm
As long as Bowles is here it doesn’t matter who you bring in. His defense has been roasted and toasted for years. Unless you want to count a team missing most of their offensive starters.
February 15th, 2026 at 6:27 pm
It’s such a simple take to try and put everything on a single player. Especially when basically the same group of players the season before were one of the top offenses.
The changing of OC, injuries, and player performance all contributed to the collapse.
February 15th, 2026 at 6:41 pm
My question was based on when he had ample time in the pocket and humped the dog anyway.
February 15th, 2026 at 7:03 pm
Might be a “simple take” — but we’ve all seen players, especially high level QBs, take a team on their shoulders. Sapp, for instance — there were a few on the 2002 team. In 2020 it was Brady. So yes, it’s “unfair” to put so much on Baker but he asked for that and wants that and so needs to be held to that standard if he’s a genuine top-tier leader.
February 15th, 2026 at 7:48 pm
The most important thing a fanbase has to worry about is drafting.
February 15th, 2026 at 7:49 pm
Nick was a great coach at bama but having 12 number one classes didn’t hurt his cause
It’s all all all all about players
Jason isn’t elite therefore the Bucs aren’t elite
February 15th, 2026 at 7:59 pm
Quit hiring suck coaches and paying a ton to guys who get hurt all the time.
February 15th, 2026 at 8:23 pm
Oneilbuc Says:
February 15th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Having a short quarterback makes it hard to execute on offense especially when that quarterback throws late 4th quarters picks because he can’t see over the line.
………
Say you don’t know anything about football without saying it …..
have you ever heard of Drew breeze he was 6 foot even
Leave the football talk for the men go sit in the chair in the corner and watch your wife
Baker Mayfield is 6’2”
Joe Montana 6’2”
February 15th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
Fitting that Baker was interviewed at the Special Olympics tent, because that’s what he and the team looked like last season.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:18 pm
Baker’s comments could be taken a couple different ways…He could be saying it was the players…Or he could have been alluding to the fact that Griz was focused on mixing things up week to week – after the Bye – instead of focusing on what Bucs players did well in the 1st half.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:37 pm
Wayne. Baker is not even 6 feet tall I know a guy who stood right on the side of him in person and Drew Brees and Russell Wilson are way better quarterbacks than Baker Mayfield.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:49 pm
Oneilbuc did your brain suffer from oxygen deprivation as a child or are your takes just the product of your mom and sister being one and the same? Russell Wilson is literally playing himself out of the league but carry on, I guess
February 15th, 2026 at 9:56 pm
When Wirfs got surgery right before the season I knew it would be bad but the injuries piled up and no consistency. It didn’t show at first but then showed when we needed it down the stretch. No consistency at all this year.
I know we need MLB bad but I don’t see us getting Styles at 15 especially since Jason never trades up. We need best player available (dude from texas tech is good). Also back up QB for us will be huge. The way Bake plays and lays it out we need a decent back up for when he’s injured. Jacoby would be a good option
February 15th, 2026 at 11:04 pm
Lou. You are a very smart football person. Not unfair at all to put alot of weight on the franchise QBs shoulders. Usually Baker thrives under the pressure. I believe his first 2 years here in Tampa he closed out the seasons winning 7 of his last 8 games or some such miracle. Only won one playoff game but had huge QB numbers. This third season a variety of reasons but Baker haters say it was he who choked down the stretch. Either way, he’s not about to leave the kitchen because of the heat. He’s just trying to make the team better. If he doesn’t then the league will quickly spit him out. Franchise QBs don’t usually weather consecutive losing seasons. That’s why I think we’re gonna have a better season than most of us think we will. Especially if the Oline is intact, Mike gets resigned, and Bucky has a big year. If those 3 things happen and the defense gets better then Baker may just be in the MVP hunt late in the season and we might have a contender.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:29 pm
“Ten days ago during a Super Bowl promotional chat with Fansided and Special Olympics, Mayfield was asked about what must the Bucs improve to reach next year’s Super Bowl.“
You’d get a better answer from Chris, Tristan, or Mike in regards to what it takes to get to an SB, Baker doesn’t know lol
“Say you don’t know anything about football without saying it …..
have you ever heard of Drew breeze he was 6 foot even
Leave the football talk for the men go sit in the chair in the corner and watch your wife
Baker Mayfield is 6’2”
Joe Montana 6’2”“
Lazy, lazy, lazy.
Baker isn’t 6’2”, it’s funny you think that
2nd comparing his height to 2 of the best QBs to ever lace’em up is also lazy as hell.
Baker doesn’t play with Brees’ efficiency, his career year was just one of many season Brees played at a high level. Mayfield certainly isn’t as consistent as Brees was.
Lazy.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:32 pm
Ugo. Russell Wilson is old now Russell Wilson is a Superbowl winner something Baker has never done. Baker have never played in a Conference championship you can’t compare Baker Mayfield to Russell Wilson. Lol 🤣🤣 you have lost your mind to think Baker is better or on the same level as a Russell Wilson!!
February 15th, 2026 at 11:36 pm
Yeah, Baker missed some passes, but I’m still on the fence with Egbuka, seeing as he dropped several passes that went right into his hands. Also, we just kind of need receivers that can create separation and actually get open. So, as much as we want to blame Baker, our receivers were pretty bad too.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:52 pm
WBL. Baker certainly doesn’t measure up to Brees. In each players first eight years in the league Baker kicked the living shlt out of Brees in both total yards and touchdown passes. Russell Wilson got run out of Seattle after 7 years and his coaches and teammates have watched him being consumed in his own head ever since. And Baker is just getting started. Any more questions, WBL?
February 16th, 2026 at 12:59 am
Baker played poorly the final 10 games of 2025. This is fact. As to why, there are a litany of excuses.
Excuses. Excuses. Excuses.
Super Bowles.
It was the offensive coordinator’s fault, not the defensive coordinator’s fault or the head coach’s fault or the quarterback’s fault.
Everyone else’s fault but Todd and Baker.
February 16th, 2026 at 1:46 am
Aqualung. Always good to see your posts. And your ire has been lately shared with Baker. Wasn’t coach Bowles enough for plate? After opening our season 6-2 in games 9 and 10 Baker threw three TDs and 0 turnovers against the Super Bowl Patriots when our defense gave up 4 tds of over 60 yards in a 28-23 loss. Game 10 saw Buffalo beat us 44-32. That’s our first 10 games Baker played great. We went for 2 against the Patriots and twice went for 2 against the Bills or would have 3 more points. It was the last seven games that Baker couldn’t keep up with the mistakes his teammates, including himself, were making. So your saying the last 10 games isn’t accurate Aqualung. It was the last seven games. That makes me think you’re lying to make Bowles look bad too Aqualung. I don’t think you want folks thinking that. I’m not trying to drub you Aqualung, but we’ve been a pretty good team in these post Brady years and Baker and the head coach deserve alot of credit for that. I’m sure they think they have a good shot at winning this year and that counts alot more than what we think.
February 16th, 2026 at 5:57 am
Baker and Brees are BOTH 6′ 0″
February 16th, 2026 at 7:29 am
Sarcasm detectors need replacement batteries.
February 16th, 2026 at 7:55 am
Kenton. Russell Wilson is a 9 time pro bowler and that’s when you had to earn your way in the pro bowl. Baker got in as a alternat because it was quarterbacks that didn’t want to go and he played in 2 NFC Championship and 2 Superbowls how many conferences championships Baker played in I’ll wait? It will be another year of he’s hurt it’s the OC fault it’s Bowles fault his line ain’t good and it’s the defense fault he has no running game . Baker ain’t Russell Wilson or Drew Brees . Baker is to short and he can’t see over the line and that’s why he misses wide open receivers. He’s a one read quarterback!!
February 16th, 2026 at 7:56 am
“Baker and Brees are BOTH 6′ 0″”
That’s pretty much all they have in common as pro QBs.
In terms of ability, production, & sustained level of play they shouldn’t even talked about together unless you’re saying you wish Baker was as accurate/efficient as Brees was.
Idk wtf Kenton is talking about, he’s gotta get on the intellectual parallel bars and stretch for some of these reaches he passes off as takes.
February 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Warren Brooks Lynch Says:
February 16th, 2026 at 7:56 am
“Baker and Brees are BOTH 6′ 0″”
That’s pretty much all they have in common as pro QBs.
In terms of ability, production, & sustained level of play they shouldn’t even talked about together unless you’re saying you wish Baker was as accurate/efficient as Brees was.
Idk wtf Kenton is talking about, he’s gotta get on the intellectual parallel bars and stretch for some of these reaches he passes off as takes
=================================
Hey WBLoser,
Mayfield has had better stats than Brees when we compare their first 8 years in the NFL to each other. Nobody that I know of was enshrining Brees in the HOF after his 8the season. Mayfield had more TD’s and roughly equal to Brees in INT’s for first 8 years. Next thing we will hear from you weirdos is that Brees played in a “different era” when QB’s wore leather helmets witout face masks.
February 16th, 2026 at 10:40 am
“Mayfield has had better stats than Brees when we compare their first 8 years in the NFL to each other.”
LMAO, at making the basis of your argument about production.
I’m talking about capability you nimrod.
Bakers’ best season as a QB was 2024. 71% completion percentage, much of it due to being a screen merchant. 4500 yards and 42 TDs in 17 games
Would literally be 1 of 8 of the seasons Brees passed for >4500. Not to mention 5 of those 8 season he passed for >5,000 yards all in just 16 game season formats
71% completion percentage? let’s go even further.
Baker has ended seasons completing >65% of his passe 1 time in 8 seasons.
Drew Brees did that in 14 of his 20 seasons as a pro. 7 of those 14 seasons, he finished completing >70% of his passes in a season.
Baker has passed for more than 30 TDs, 1 time in 8 seasons.
Drew Brees had 10 seasons passing for >30 TDs
Again, trying to shorten the window to Brees’ first 8 years just so you can convince yourselves he & Baker are comparable as players is stupid and I laugh at your conviction doing so. Please stop making these dumbarse comparisons, just because they’re short doesn’t mean they play the same.
Even in the hypothetical, nobody is taking Baker Mayfield at any point in his pro career over Prime Drew Brees, or even Drew Brees the last 5-8 years of his career.
Both short? both NFL, sure, close to being the same as far as technical ability from the pocket? Hell no
February 20th, 2026 at 1:05 pm
You dunces arguing over height can at least get it right. Baker is officially 6’0 7/8″ when he was measured at the Combine. As for Baker compared to Brees… that’s a fantastic comparison. Their careers are extremely similar when compared to where they were at the same stages. Eerily similar, actually. Go on profootball reference and compare the two through their first EIGHT seasons… you might be surprised to see that not only are their stats very close, but that Baker has definite edges on Brees statistically. Their yards per attempt were tied at 7.2, Brees had a slight edge in comp% and yards per game, while Baker was definitely better in TDs and %, INT%, and rating 91.2 to 89.4. As for running the football… Baker tripled Brees’ total and more than doubled his yards per attempt. I made the comparison to Brees after Baker’s first year with the Bucs and i was right on… and all he has done since then is prove me more right. He just needs the right talent around him, scheme, and coaching, and he COULD be as good as Brees was the remainder of his career… He’s shown the signs so far… he just has to be more consistent. The book was the same as Brees at this stage of his career.