Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans didn’t know what to expect when Baker Mayfield took over as their starting quarterback.
After some up-and-down performances with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers, many believed Mayfield’s time in the NFL could be coming to a close, that the Buccaneers were his last real shot at a starting job.
Mayfield not only earned the starting job, but he has also reclaimed his career.
He had a career year last season, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns.
In the process, he threw 16 interceptions, which wasn’t ideal, but the Buccaneers will certainly take it if it means throwing for that many yards and scoring that many touchdowns.
The Buccaneers are now on a four-year streak of winning the NFC South, thanks to Mayfield taking the momentum at QB after Tom Brady left, and they’re off to a good start to claim the title again this year.
Brady reminded Mayfield of the streak he started, saying, “That’s our streak, Baker,” as the team’s official X account highlighted.
🐐🤝👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/wLL1Cw2PSZ
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 18, 2025
Following up in Brady’s footsteps was never going to be easy, especially since he led the team on a Super Bowl run.
Mayfield might not ever reach Brady’s ceiling, but if he can continue to lead the Buccaneers down the right path, they could be the favorites in this division for the foreseeable future.
The Atlanta Falcons could give them a run for their money if they keep playing well, but with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers both in rebuilding mode, this could be a one- or maybe two-horse race for some time.
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