Analyst believes an experienced quarterback could decline this season

Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an impressive 2023 season.

In the first year of the post-Tom Brady era, the team fought through the tough NFC South and won the division with a 9-8 finish.

They also beat last year’s NFC Super Bowl representative, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the first round of the playoffs.

However, despite a successful last year, analyst Sam Monson believes Mayfield could see a regression in 2024.

“I’m not ready to fully commit to Baker Mayfield yet… There’s definitely a risk that we’ll see a regression this year,” Monson said of The 33rd Team.

“There is certainly a risk that we will experience a setback this year” – @SamMonsonNFL

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs could take a step back in 2024 😬 https://t.co/kHO9KSZ3DC pic.twitter.com/GTFVU6cZFC

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) 23 August 2024

One might think that Mayfield has not been able to play consistent football for two consecutive seasons.

He led the Browns to the playoffs for the first time in a long time in 2020 after throwing for over 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns and posting a career-best passer rating of 95.9.

The following year, as a starter, he only achieved a score of 6-8 and threw 13 interceptions.

After making his first career Pro Bowl appearance, where he set career highs in completions, yards, touchdowns and completion percentage, the former Heisman winner and his team’s goal is to advance past the second round of the playoffs.

With the NFC South likely to be better positioned this year thanks to the Falcons, Saints and Panthers’ reinforcements, especially in defense, the division could be tough again this year.

Time will tell if Mayfield can repeat his good play from last season.

NEXT:
Baker Mayfield sends a clear message before the season