Bucs QB Baker Mayfield: Tom Brady Created a 'High-Strung' Atmosphere

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is embracing the challenging role of succeeding seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. In his first season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has kept the team competitive and has started the 2024 season strong.

During an appearance on the “Casa De Klub podcast,” Mayfield discussed the unique culture left behind by Brady at the Buccaneers. The 29-year-old quarterback noted that things were different when Brady was in the building. He referred to the previous atmosphere as “high-strung,” suggesting it led to added pressure for the entire team.

“The building was a little bit different with Tom in there,” Mayfield stated. “Obviously, playing-wise, Tom is different. He had everybody dialed in, high-strung environment, so I think everybody was pretty stressed out.”

Mayfield also recounted stories about Brady’s competitive nature. He mentioned instances where Brady would intentionally throw passes that were off target if he disagreed with a play call. “You hear some of the stories about if he didn’t like a certain play call and he didn’t like it throughout the week and they still call it in the game, there might have been a throwaway on purpose or throwing it at the running back or receiver’s feet. There were a lot of mind games going on,” he said.

Despite concerns that Brady’s retirement would diminish the Buccaneers’ relevance in the league, Mayfield has proven otherwise. The team is revitalized and continues to make progress each week. Mayfield emphasized the importance of being himself, saying, “Front office guys and Coach Bowles were all saying, just be yourself. That’s all we want you to be.”

While Mayfield’s comments suggest a tense environment during Brady’s tenure, it is largely anecdotal and unproven that Brady deliberately sabotaged plays. There were notable moments in Brady’s last season, where speculation arose about his uncharacteristic throws, raising questions about his state of mind.

As Brady transitions to a new career in broadcasting, NFL fans are waiting to hear his response to Mayfield’s remarks.

Winning continues to be a hallmark for the Buccaneers. The culture established during Brady’s time has persisted even after his exit. The Buccaneers are the only team in the NFC to have made the playoffs in the last four years and are coming off their third consecutive NFC South title. Under Mayfield’s leadership, the Buccaneers impressed last postseason, pulling off an upset against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. This victory added to their playoff success, bringing their total to six playoff wins over the last four seasons, trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs in that span.

Mayfield, who was the first overall pick in 2018, is coming off what many consider to be his best NFL season. Notably, he currently ranks second in QBR through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, right behind Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints. After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns and playing for multiple teams over three years, Mayfield found a new home with the Buccaneers in 2023. His arrival proved to be a bargain for Tampa Bay, as he recorded a career-high 4,044 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns last season.

Since joining the Buccaneers, Mayfield has infused a fresh and relatable energy into the team, which some of his teammates believe was lacking even when Brady was leading. Unlike Brady, who often maintained a distinct celebrity status that kept him separated from teammates, Mayfield is known for his approachability and willingness to engage with his fellow players.

When initially signing with the Buccaneers, Mayfield acknowledged Brady’s greatness, stating, “He’s the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, and he deserves that recognition. I’m going to be myself, and Tom was himself.” He added that while it was daunting to follow in Brady’s footsteps, he was committed to carving out his own path. One year later, Mayfield has indeed forged his identity and has proven capable of leading the team.

After signing a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason, Mayfield appears set for another playoff run with the Buccaneers.

Stats for Baker Mayfield (through Week 2, 2024):