Baker Mayfield’s performance is being watched with keen eyes by NFL experts and fans. With Dave Canales’ departure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to take on a head coaching role with the Carolina Panthers, there’s widespread speculation on how quarterback Baker Mayfield will fare without the offensive coordinator who helped him achieve notable success.
While Tampa Bay’s head coach Todd Bowles downplays the impact of the loss, NFL analyst Chris Simms, on his “Unbuttoned” podcast, weighed in on the potential effects on Mayfield’s performance.
Chris Simms’ Faith in Baker Mayfield’s Leadership
Despite the coaching shakeup, Simms remains optimistic about Mayfield’s leadership abilities and how he will adapt. He noted, “I feel like it is only going to go up and up with Baker Mayfield and his ability to lead. Take over that team.”
Mayfield’s progression in Tampa Bay has been notable, ranking 12th in the league with a 94.6 passer rating last season. His 28 touchdown passes and over 4,000 passing yards solidified him as a finalist for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award. Tampa Bay rewarded his efforts with a three-year contract, underscoring their belief in his potential.
BREAKING: Tampa Bay Buccaneers are re-signing Baker Mayfield. pic.twitter.com/9drx4XeidT
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 10, 2024
Liam Coen Takes the Reins
Canales’ replacement, Liam Coen, isn’t unfamiliar with Mayfield’s playing style. Coen served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams when Mayfield had a stint there in the 2022 season. Simms believes the offensive change won’t cause significant disruption to Mayfield’s performance:
“Dave Canales and that offense? I liked it,”
Simms said.
“They made adjustments. I certainly wasn’t sitting there, going, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the greatest offense I’ve seen in football.’ I will also say I was a little, even, surprised that he got a head coaching job already. I wasn’t expecting that.”
Simms added that the transition to Coen’s guidance shouldn’t drastically alter Mayfield’s output, as Coen and Mayfield have already developed a working relationship.
The Pressure is On
While the transition seems promising, Mayfield faces a unique challenge this season. With DraftKings Sportsbook placing the Buccaneers’ projected win total at 8.5, securing at least nine wins will be crucial for the quarterback to silence critics who credit Canales for “fixing” his game. The Buccaneers have the option to part ways with Mayfield if his performance falters, making this a critical season for the veteran signal-caller.
Mayfield’s ability to command the team and replicate—or even improve upon—last season’s success will be vital in proving that he’s capable of leading the Buccaneers through this new offensive chapter. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how this change affects Tampa Bay’s postseason aspirations.
