Baker Mayfield thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can shock the NFL in 2026. The quarterback made that clear whereas talking with reporters Tuesday.
“I feel we’re going to shock lots of people this 12 months,” Mayfield stated. “And so I’m excited to only get on the street and do this.”
The arrogance comes after Tampa Bay completed 8-9 final season and missed the playoffs. The Buccaneers additionally misplaced seven of their ultimate eight video games after beginning 6-2.
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Mayfield is aware of many exterior the constructing anticipate one other troublesome season. When requested about these predictions, he supplied a direct response.
“Yeah, I imply, hear, embellish it,” Mayfield stated. “There’s no embellishing. I feel you’ll be able to’t keep away from it. There’s TVs all over the place.”
Mayfield then made his confidence even clearer when requested if he actually believed Tampa Bay may flip issues round.
“Yeah. Hell yeah, I’m,” he stated. “Everyone’s selecting us most likely to have a shedding document. So, we’ll see.”
Why Baker Mayfield thinks Tampa Bay can flip it round
The Buccaneers have already proven some depth throughout the preseason. They defeated the New York Jets 24-16 regardless of resting Mayfield and most starters.
Nonetheless, that end result says little concerning the common season. Mayfield should lead an offense adjusting to a different coordinator, with Zac Robinson taking up the unit.
The larger problem includes changing veteran manufacturing. Mike Evans left for San Francisco, whereas Tampa Bay additionally misplaced different necessary items throughout the offseason.
Nonetheless, the roster has younger expertise round Mayfield. Emeka Egbuka offers the passing recreation one other weapon, whereas defensive additions may assist deal with final season’s issues.
Tampa Bay’s ceiling relies upon closely on Mayfield staying wholesome and limiting errors. His 3,693 passing yards and 26 touchdowns final season weren’t sufficient to forestall the collapse.
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Mayfield will possible get his first preseason motion Saturday in opposition to Kansas Metropolis. He’s anticipated to play a few drives, giving Tampa Bay its first have a look at the brand new offense with its beginning quarterback.
His prediction is daring, however the 2026 Buccaneers have sufficient modifications to make the season value watching. Now Mayfield should flip that confidence into constant outcomes.
