Mayfield powers Bucs offense to scorching begin, however can it hold issues rolling vs. Lions?

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield adjusted the collar of his gentle inexperienced with cream striped linen shirt Sunday after the Bucs’ 37-14 victory over the Washington Commanders, trying each bit prepared for a celebratory yacht celebration — or perhaps a boat parade, as basic supervisor Jason Licht has grow to be so keen on referencing.

Together with his trademark smirk and penchant for one-liners, Mayfield quipped, “I am a Florida man now,” as he was whisked off to his postgame information convention. The Bucs’ signal-caller actually checked out dwelling within the season opener Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, tossing 4 touchdowns — essentially the most of any quarterback in Week 1 and tied for second most of his profession through the common season. He additionally had an 80% completion charge — the sixth finest mark of his profession.

So too did new offensive coordinator Liam Coen with the offense scoring a landing or a discipline purpose on all however one offensive possession. They punted as soon as — the fewest of any crew within the league after averaging 4.53 punts per sport final season (tenth worst).

“That is a reasonably scorching first begin, proper, and once more we left some meat on the bone on the market,” broad receiver Chris Godwin mentioned. “There have been some performs that we may have executed loads higher on, however I believe for our first sport, I believe Liam would most likely say that he is fairly pleased with how he was calling issues, and I believe as gamers we’re joyful as properly. You recognize we obtained to unfold it round a bunch, quite a lot of guys obtained concerned — obtained a pleasant mixture of run, go, screens — and clearly it helps when you have got [Mayfield] on the market operating the present.”

Mayfield climbed the pocket with ease, spun his method out of sacks, used his legs when he needed to and stored his eyes downfield, connecting with three totally different receiving targets for scores. Future Corridor of Famer Mike Evans caught two of these touchdowns — each with cornerback Benjamin St-Juste draped on his physique. Godwin, who seemed like his outdated self again within the slot after spending a big portion of the season final season on the “Z” place, scored, and rookie Jalen McMillan, who waited all sport to get his first catch, went fully untouched into the top zone for a 32-yard rating.

“That is the usual that this group has,” Mayfield mentioned. “We anticipate to have the ability to come out and be that environment friendly. Each sport’s going to be totally different. That is the NFL. It is extremely aggressive, however we anticipate to have the ability to be that environment friendly on offense. Protection goes to play bodily, however yeah, it is good to see that we got here out Week 1, put every little thing collectively.

“There’s nonetheless stuff to work on, however this can be a good constructing block for us.”

Then there was the oft-maligned floor sport that shifted from an influence to a zone blocking crew final yr seemed a lot improved. The dynamic one-two punch of Rachaad White and rookie slasher Bucky Irving mixed for 182 yards from scrimmage. Irving took a second-and-2 handoff 31 yards on the Bucs’ last drive, and White’s 75 receiving yards have been second most on the crew.

“To have the ability to run the ball like we did on the final drive and end ultimately zone, that is a backbreaking drive,” Mayfield mentioned, “and that is credit score to the blokes up entrance, receivers, tight ends blocking, operating backs hitting the outlet. … That takes the morale out of the opposite crew.”

Their very own morale will probably be examined in opposition to the host Detroit Lions on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX) with the lack of a number of items on protection. The Bucs misplaced three cornerbacks — starter Zyon McCollum (concussion) and backups Bryce Hall (decrease leg) and Josh Hayes (ankle) — to accidents in opposition to the Commanders, with Corridor anticipated to overlook the rest of the season.

To high it off, All-Professional security Antoine Winfield Jr. — arguably their finest participant on protection — suffered an ankle/foot harm on one of many final two snaps and is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, sources instructed ESPN. And the crew was already with out beginning defensive linemen Calijah Kancey (calf) and Logan Hall (foot) for Week 1. The Lions defeated the Bucs twice final yr — in a 20-6 win after which in a 31-23 victory within the divisional spherical of the playoffs.

The offense is aware of it should probably have to hold the load in Week 2.

“If the protection is down on numbers, they’ll solely achieve this a lot,” Godwin mentioned. “So, as an offense, you’re taking the accountability of attempting to increase your drives. One, since you’re attempting to attain, however two, you do not wish to put your protection in a foul spot to be on the sector for extra performs than they should as a result of that places them at an obstacle.”

Left sort out Tristan Wirfs added, “We have simply obtained to place factors up. That is what it will be about. I believe we have been form of going forwards and backwards with them final yr. It is robust. They ended our season, however we get one other alternative at ’em right here in Week 2 so it will be enjoyable. … They have a great defensive entrance. That is going to be a giant take a look at for us.”