Baker Mayfield doesn't have to be a hero – JoeBucsFan.com

Joe admits he had no idea what to expect from Baker Mayfield this year.

This Joe thinks he had a career year last year. (The other Joe takes a different view.) Just by the law of averages, regression seems realistic. Now, “regression” doesn't mean collapse. Let's say 200 fewer yards passing and/or two fewer touchdowns thrown.

At PFF Staff, John Kosko seems to believe the biggest question for the Bucs this season is how Mayfield will play.

Was Mayfield's success in 2023 due to the team around him, with Dave Canales putting Mayfield in positions where he could succeed, or is he ready to take his game to the next level?

If Mayfield is being carried by his teammates, isn't that a good thing? What quarterback wouldn't want to throw to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rachaad White?

Frankly, Joe doesn't think Mayfield needs to be Josh Allen for the Bucs to win. Just give the ball to your weapons and let them take over.

And if the Bucs' running game improves so much, that's another reason Mayfield knows he doesn't have to try to outdo himself.

Before the game, the annual season predictions episode of the Ira Kaufman podcast. Ira has over 20 Bucs predictions.