Todd Bowles Speaks Of The “Intelligence” Of Baker Mayfield
September 26th, 2025
Heads-up play.
There is a play floating around social media that shows Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield checking out of a call in the Bucs’ final drive, a game-winner last week against the Jets.
Mayfield checked out of the play, made sure receivers were lined up correctly, and had Bucky Irving reset to block a blitzer. Mayfield read that perfectly as a blitz came from the left side, right where Mayfield had Bucky set up.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles was asked about Mayfield’s knowledge of the offense, now in his second year with the Liam Coen/Josh Grizzard playbook.
Bowles said plays like the one Mayfield checked out of demonstrate how smart Mayfield is.
“I think his second year in the offense, the intelligence he’s shown – taking it over and understanding what’s trying to be done to him and checking to the right play – speaks volumes,” Bowles said. “He’s been doing that the last two minutes the past couple weeks, so it’s been great to see.”
Joe thought that last comment by Bowles was interesting. Mayfield’s intelligence of the offense in his second year is one reason why Mayfield and the Bucs have been so successful in the final minute of games.
After Week 1, Grizzard, the Bucs’ first-year offensive coordinator, said something similar after Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka hooked up for two touchdown passes, the second being the game-winner.
Mayfield’s footwork on the two touchdown throws to Egbuka was so smooth, Grizzard said, it was an example of Mayfield being in the second year of the same offense.
Cool stuff.
September 26th, 2025 at 3:31 pm
I think Grizz opens up the play book a bit this week with new formations while mixing in some hurry up offense to get those big DTs tired…
4-0!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 26th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
Gotta love Baker.
Bowles haters would be staring at Trask if it weren’t for Bowles pounding the table for Mayfield.
September 26th, 2025 at 3:56 pm
Down Evans allows Philly to double Embuka.
My Hope: Godwin returns and Grizz remembers Culp is a very good receiver.
September 26th, 2025 at 4:07 pm
And we don’t yet know what the o-line is going to look like if Wirfs plays Sunday. We could surprise the Eagles with our o-line. And if they double team Egbuka, don’t forget about Godwin, Shepard, and Otton. Shepard has been outstanding in these first 3 games. I still think the edge goes to Philly, but we could surprise them. Let’s go Bucs!!
September 26th, 2025 at 4:12 pm
I cannot believe Fox hasn’t demanded the NFl move this game later. Colts at Rams and Jags @ Rams are the 4:05 Fox games. How many more eyes would they get if Eagles-Bucs was the Fox late game with Brady calling it.
For those that can laugh at politics, why isn’t the President posting on social media that Fox hasn’t demanded to put the Bucs-Eagles on Primetime TV? He is an expert on TV ratings, right? C’mon Mr. prez, how about some love for our Bucs?
September 26th, 2025 at 4:55 pm
Made me laugh with the Culp is a good receiver. Guy had 41 snaps last year and 24 routes with 5 catches on those 24 routes.
There are at least 6 guys on this team without Evan I would look to get involved over Culp in our passing game.
Have no problem if a LB or safety loses him like they did a couple of times last year and he have a big gain.
Maybe one saw something in the 66 catches in the 54 college games that they think he is a good receiver.
Pretty sure if Bucs thought he was good, he might have been active one of these first three games.
September 26th, 2025 at 5:02 pm
i hate to say it, but i think we’re due for a loss…
also we’ve had philly’s number lately…
and i’d also rather take the loss now, than when we probably see them again – in the playoffs…
on a good note, i say we lose this weekend – but next weekend we go into seattle, have their 12th man for lunch, and come away with a victory against a seattle team whos’s record seems to be a little inflated…by seasons end, they’re an 8 to 9 win team
September 26th, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Geno
I had the same gut feeling about Culp, your stats just confirm my gut.
As to “other” receivers I think are going to see their “touches” go up. Shepherd is a little long of tooth but watching him play this year reminded me in his prime Shepherd was a solid player, a second round draft pick. His first five years with the Giants he averaged over 700 yards per season and more than a ten yard averge per catch. Looking at simply stats it seems Shepherd would have enjoyed even a better career if he hadn’t been haunted with health issues.
Meanwhile this season with the Bucs he appears healthy! He has talent! And he has a connection with his ole college QB Baker.
While we’re all talking about EE, the return of CG, 2 great receiving RB’s and perhaps Culp or Otton….Shepherd might be the guy who makes some big plays for the Bucs.
September 26th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
@ eoschwartz : They don’t flex games till later in the season, and Trump only talks about Trump.
September 26th, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Hey stpetebucsfan, I agree with all you’ve said about Shep! Except the last line. It should be “Shep is a guy who makes some big plays for the Bucs!”
September 26th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
The Cooter household is very close with an insider at One Buc Place and The Cooter family has been told Baker will not play Sunday and that it is Teddy “2 Gloves” Bridgewater’s job
September 26th, 2025 at 5:43 pm
Cooter, how much money u got?
September 26th, 2025 at 5:46 pm
with 401k, stocks, savings and equity about 2 million why, 50 cash
September 26th, 2025 at 6:04 pm
When it comes to running a two minute offense and making game winning comebacks, Baker Mayfield is like Tom Brady!!
Let’s Go !!
Go Bucs !!
September 26th, 2025 at 6:05 pm
Yeah I’m calling BS cooter. As secretive and suspicious as the NFL is, especially the Bucs, I don’t see them leaking that kind of info to their neighbor over the hedges.
September 26th, 2025 at 6:10 pm
Furthermore, I don’t see Baker Mayfield being held down without fighting a MFer. Considering his reaction when the staff simply asked him if he was injured after the Steers game. A simple F U and a smile
September 26th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
Sundays game i think will come down to the wire and either team could win, who ever has the ball last …clock management will be huge
September 26th, 2025 at 6:21 pm
Oh Teddy “2 Gloves” is starting, its true, its damn true
September 26th, 2025 at 6:22 pm
With me13 out this week, what about moving Rashad white out to either slot or wide out. In the open field he is a monster
September 26th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Kenton
You are correct sir. Shep has already made big plays. Credit where credit is due.
September 26th, 2025 at 7:02 pm
Victory formation doesn’t require audibles or checks. If we had a DC who would keep his foot on the gas, maybe we could enjoy the last 2 minutes or so of a Bucs game.
September 26th, 2025 at 7:40 pm
lol, hope baker stays off 47’s radar. Don’t need that at all
September 26th, 2025 at 7:55 pm
I think this game will be a blowout, just not sure for what team? If the Bucs win this one the entire league will be on notice..
September 26th, 2025 at 8:03 pm
With all due respect, SS 17 is here because Baker offered him a job. Now he’s the reliable buccaneer receiver who gets things done when everyone else is covered !!
There are so many offensive weapons. We haven’t seen much of CB 84, but, I have a feeling he will be a huge factor in this game !! I can’t wait to see how this game plays out !!
One things for sure, the intelligence of Baker Mayfield will be on display !!
Go Bucs !!
September 26th, 2025 at 8:45 pm
I’m hoping to see Bucky go out for some passes like he did in the preseason. Remember? GO BUCS!
September 26th, 2025 at 9:17 pm
The receiver everyone might be sleeping on is Payne Durham….no one game plans for him and he averages almost 11 yards per catch with almost 70% of his receptions going for first downs or touchdowns.
Granted it’s a small sample size but his percentage numbers in ’23 & ’24 were consistent.
He could easily be one of those “When you least expect it” kind of guys…
September 26th, 2025 at 11:01 pm
All these years he has never been in the same system twice and now that he is in JUST his second year of the same system he is taking off. The cream is STILL rising boys!!! Take OFF Bake!!!
September 26th, 2025 at 11:31 pm
Gotta see if the modified Frankenstein OL can pass block without significant TE help first. Griz is throttled back to about 20% of his playbook and calls due to injuries. Probably even more importantly can they run block? And – more touches for Rachaad. He is breaking out. Let him.