Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is battling for the starting job with Kyle Trask, already has the unenviable task of trying to replace the legendary Tom Brady.
And while nobody expects Mayfield to completely fill Brady’s shoes, the Buccaneers will need some sort of consistency from Mayfield, if he’s named the starter, if they’re going to return to the playoffs without Brady.
Mayfield has struggled with turnovers throughout his career. And it’s an ugly habit that is rearing its head in the early days of his Buccaneers career, where he’s thrown seven interceptions in nine practices thus far.
Another pick today for Baker Mayfield, as corner Jamel Dean gets an interception on low throw in 7-on-7. That’s seven INTs in nine practices for Mayfield.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 5, 2023
The NFL world was quick to react to Mayfield’s performance:
My guy could very well be finished as a starter in this league. https://t.co/N6G5gazfgV
— Watson Garrett Stefanski Era 🐶 (@MylesOffTheEdge) August 5, 2023
One step closer https://t.co/fKxyLP4Il4 pic.twitter.com/xX7O6KBL1X
— Nick Simon (@Nick_JSimon) August 5, 2023
he’s in mid season form https://t.co/Li6fFtSLWC
— trey (@TreyfromNY) August 5, 2023
I know a team that might be interested in picking him up on waivers in December https://t.co/8M8YctnlpS
— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) August 5, 2023
How it feels being a TB Football fan this yearpic.twitter.com/wUigVyKaD8 https://t.co/jbBOGe7aLO
— 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗗𝗙𝗦 & 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗦 (@LineStarApp) August 5, 2023
Mayfield, for his part, sent a clear message to his haters late last month.
“I don’t need anyone on the outside to tell me what I can or can’t do,” Mayfield said according to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers official team website. “I know what I am capable of. Yeah, I mean I got hurt in Cleveland. That is why my run ended there. Then last year, it was what it was in Carolina. Everything happens for a reason. I am here now, and I am ready to go. This team, you talk about skeptics and what the narrative is around this team, I think it speaks to our veterans and the people that were a part of the run to the Super Bowl and the success that they have had recently, more so than me.
“I will always have a chip on my shoulder.”
By the looks of things, Mayfield will need more than a chip on his shoulder to become a reliable starter in the NFL.
