Lethal With His Legs
September 8th, 2026
Best scrambler in the league.
The Joe typing here has stated multiple times there isn’t a quarterback in the NFL who can match the intangibles of Baker Mayfield.
However, at some point those intangibles must result in playoff wins.
One of those intangibles is a trait Mayfield’s teammates get off on: his ability to scramble.
How bad would the Bucs’ record have been last year had Mayfield not scrambled his way out of tight spots for the Bucs to either get a first down, score six or win games? The guy was borderline magical with his feet.
And it seems the numbers back Joe up on this.
Per BSPN research, Mayfield is at the top of the league when it comes to making plays with his feet.
QB stat to know: Since joining the Bucs in 2023, Mayfield’s 545 yards on third-down scrambles are 146 more than the next-closest player (Patrick Mahomes, 399), while his 63.6% career conversion rate on third-down rushes is the second highest among qualified QBs since entering the league in 2018.
BSPN Research did not cite the QB with the highest third-down conversion rate while rushing. Joe guesses maybe Josh Allen?
Still, Bucs fans saw how Mayfield saved the Bucs’ bacon many times last year. The only question is how much longer can he keep this up?
Mayfield simply got the tar beat out of him to the point where he was pretty much ineffective after the bye. At least not effective enough.
Concerning is what Joe has heard Super Bowl-winning quarterback Phil Simms say. You don’t get quicker the further away you get from 30. Mayfield is 31.
September 8th, 2026 at 5:16 am
Look at who was selected captains – Baker is THE face of this team – everything rides with him – the defense isn’t going to save this team – there is no Legion of Boom – we’ll see how he does on Sunday – bottom line he has to stay healthy
September 8th, 2026 at 5:24 am
Chad Powers!!!
September 8th, 2026 at 5:37 am
but no, not worth extending, right glazers??
September 8th, 2026 at 6:18 am
He needs to make the right pass when we need it most. That’s what he’s missing most. That and playing consistently in the second quarter.
September 8th, 2026 at 6:37 am
This is where I think our Oline is overrated. The variable that doesn’t quite make the stats sheet for the Oline is how many times has Baker in a 3rd in long bail on the play to get a first down with his legs? I think he’s at least 50/50. Imagine if either ate those sacks or he makes an errant throw under pressure.
I got fan friends of mine talking how this line is top 5, and I don’t see it. I think if this is the same Coen line from 2024, we’re pretty good in running blocking, but I’ve seen 4-man fronts consistently get pressure on this Oline on 3rd and longs, and against better defenses, they neutralize Baker’s ability to evade capture. Baker’s size has a lot to do with why he’s not hanging in the pocket longer. Its not rocket science, he’s 6ft, with dudes that are 6ft-5+ collapsing around him, it’s hard to hang in there like Tom Brady to find an open man. If he can’t hit his first read, he’s running for it. That’s been Baker’s nature.
September 8th, 2026 at 6:58 am
Without a coach that manage Baker rehabilitation after injury, good possibility of a rinse and repeat Baker performance.
If he is injured and making the team worse, BENCH Baker until he is ready again!!!!!!
September 8th, 2026 at 7:02 am
…545 yards on third-down scrambles. At this point Baker is basically the Bucs’ emergency running back with a passing license.
September 8th, 2026 at 7:06 am
Zoo, one of the main the reasons there are no more Tom Brady’s is because pocket passers are a thing of the past. Defenses crush pocket passers now and have been for quite a while. Look at the top 10 NFL QBs. There are only three that do not scramble and maybe one who is stationary. At a bare minimum, QBs have to be able to move around in the pocket.
September 8th, 2026 at 7:10 am
not sure why no one likes this guy he puts it all on the line and is entertaining
September 8th, 2026 at 7:14 am
Been saying it will be interesting to see what having a mobile qb does for Zac Robinson after working with statues in Atlanta
September 8th, 2026 at 7:18 am
Agreed- it sure is weird. A lot of it is probably college rivalries. Or just plain stupidity.
September 8th, 2026 at 7:30 am
Throw the ball away until you get the next contact!
September 8th, 2026 at 7:42 am
The moment you get past the sticks-SLIDE!!!!!!
This would be intelligent
September 8th, 2026 at 8:19 am
Sometimes Baker plays dumb football. Common sense tells most quarterbacks to run out of bounds or get down. Nooooo, not Baker! His MOXIE tells him to run over the defenders. His ego hurts the team.
September 8th, 2026 at 8:19 am
Sometimes Baker plays dumb football. Common sense tells most quarterbacks to run out of bounds or get down. Nooooo, not Baker! His MOXIE tells him to run over the defenders. His ego hurts the team more than it helps.
September 8th, 2026 at 8:24 am
Baker is fine. The HC is the thing holding this team back.
September 8th, 2026 at 8:33 am
Baker is the man. You whiners remind me of Atlanta fans that always complained about Matt Ryan. Look at the qb’s they have had since Ryan retired. Baker isn’t perfect but he is insanely entertaining and wins a lot of games. Enjoy him while we have him!!
September 8th, 2026 at 8:34 am
Maybe he should try throwing 4th quarter passes with his feet!
Because he was lethal to our success with his interceptions with the game hanging in the balance.
We’ll see how vigorous the Pom Pom waiving is after the bye week.
With Chicago and Detroit sandwiched around our bye it could get real ugly.
2-15
September 8th, 2026 at 8:48 am
Riddle me this Baker, how do you keep your stockpile of intangibles and protect yourself at the same time? Last year you broke out the Superman cape too early and it turned into kryptonite after the bye. It’s a long season, save your bullets dude.
September 8th, 2026 at 8:56 am
Absent that 3rd and 16 scramble, (very next play was laser tuddie to Tez) we wouldn’t have won the SF game. And, Zoocomics, we haven’t SEEN the O-line since 2024, and Mauch is much improved since then. Dude is likely gonna get $20 million a year after this season
September 8th, 2026 at 10:27 am
Thats the inly thing he’s got because i f he stood in the pocket and slung it he would have more interceptions than td baker carr is just not a winner
September 8th, 2026 at 10:35 am
Baker’s ability to scramble and run is a tangible asset, not an intangible one.
September 8th, 2026 at 10:50 am
I believe he was also #1 or #2 in running QBR in 2025 behind only Patrick Mahomes. The fact that he has not won more playoff games has had to do with a lot more than simply Baker’s play. Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are the greatest at being able to do more with less, but even they needed or need, help around them, whether it be coaching or strong rosters. This year the Bucs may have that strong roster. Coaching may remain lacking. We’ll see with Robinson.
September 8th, 2026 at 11:31 am
Sliding brings risk. You’re exposing your knees and ankles. When you end a run with your torso, you have a bit if control as to how you’re hit. Bake slides when he sees his legs aren’t going to be touched. He’s probably one of the strongest, beefed up qbs … “get yer weight up, boy! “.
September 8th, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Tom Brady got faster and quicker after 30.
September 8th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
Yes, we all like his results as a top scrambler, HOWEVER, his style of scrambling entails lots of awkward twists that collects above average bumps, hits, chops, and collisions at his body.
September 8th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
That’s what I love about Baker, he will run around you or run over you and defenses have a hard time stopping him. When you add 41 touchdown passes to that you’ve got one heck of a quarterback!! One who can win a championship!!
Go Baker !!
Go Bucs !!
Beat the Bengals !!