Baker Mayfield is entering his third season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the pressure is on for him to continue the upward trajectory. In back-to-back seasons the Bucs have improved, which is still something to marvel at given how low everyone's expectations were for the team after Tom Brady retired.
Tampa Bay has used a chip on its shoulder as fuel, and Baker's grit has become a core part of the team's identity. His Angry Runs have often helped shift momentum in games, but it's something that new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard is hoping he tones down just a little bit.
Needless to say, Baker isn't interested in changing up what is a pretty natural part of his game. It's less about pushing back on changes he doesn't agree with and more of a resistance to overthinking things in the moment.
Baker Mayfield isn't interested in scrambling less when he thinks he needs to
Essentially, if Baker thinks scrambling is the best play to make, then that's what he's going to do.
“On third downs and got-to-have-it situations, I’m going to try to do everything I can to get the first down or whatever we need. There’s also a time and place to throw the ball away. I think, when it comes to protecting myself, the biggest thing is the sack number," Baker said, via JoeBucsFan. "There’s the scramble element of trying to create explosive plays, but there’s also situations in the game. Where are we at? Are we leading? Are we down? Do we need something? Don’t force it.”
This hasn't been too big of a talking point, but it's perhaps one of the unspoken fears everyone in Tampa Bay has. With the quarterback situation a complete mystery beyond Baker, keeping him healthy and mitigating risk is of the uptmost importance.
Of course, trying to tame Baker is easier said than done. Forcing him to try and play differently than he has over the last two successful seasons is also a bit of a choice, even if the intention is well meaning.
It doesn't sound like Baker is going to back down, but it also doesn't sound like he's planning on not playing smart. We've seen massive improvements in his game over the last two seasons, and hearing him hang onto his gritty spirit while also sounding like a guy who isn't going to take it too far feels like a perfect balance for the Bucs.
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