Would you want to be the one to follow in Tom Brady’s footsteps? Neither would we, but someone has to and it’s been decided. In a significant development that's been closely followed by fans, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has officially declared Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they gear up to kick off against the Minnesota Vikings. With the announcement, Mayfield, the top pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, assumes the throne as the successor to the legendary Tom Brady.
Coach Bowles made the announcement to the eager press corps on a Tuesday afternoon, stating, "Baker is our starting quarterback. Kyle is No. 2." The news was swiftly relayed to the masses through the Buccaneers' social media channels, adding to the palpable buzz surrounding this decision.
TIME TO BAKE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7GTdEbdUgU
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 22, 2023
Mayfield's journey to this pivotal moment has been marked by a spirited competition with fellow quarterback Kyle Trask throughout the training camp. The first unofficial depth chart had listed the starting quarterback position as Mayfield "OR" Kyle Trask, underscoring the intensity of the competition.
Upon learning the news, Mayfield expressed his enthusiasm, sharing, "Coach Bowles came up to me this morning. He told me that he had talked with Kyle already. He just informed me they were going to roll with me." The mantle of starting quarterback is not lost on Mayfield, who voiced his commitment to stepping into this role with determination and leadership.
Mayfield's preseason performances have contributed to his selection as the starting quarterback. In the first preseason game, he completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. While Trask got his shot in Week 2 against the New York Jets, Mayfield's consistency and experience have earned him the trust of the coaching staff.
The Buccaneers' decision to entrust Mayfield with this role comes after signing him to a one-year deal in the offseason. Mayfield's journey in the NFL has seen him play for multiple teams, seeking to regain the momentum he experienced in his earlier years. Mayfield's resolve to prove his capabilities and contribute to the Buccaneers' legacy is evident in his words, "I don’t need anyone on the outside to tell me what I can or can’t do. I know what I am capable of."
The young quarterback's journey to this moment hasn't been without its share of challenges and we're excited to see if Baker is back to the Baker we’ve missed.
