For the first time since Tom Brady was on the roster, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing the best football of his career, which is why Brady wanted to tip his hat with a simple message about the way he’s playing.
“It’s Shake and Bake time in Tampa,” Brady said.
TB12 knows what time it is 🐐👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/qzFuGmmW4j
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 15, 2025
Mayfield has gone from looking like a bust and rubbing people the wrong way to finally living up to his potential as a No. 1 overall pick and a true leader.
The former Cleveland Browns quarterback later lost his starting spot to Sam Darnold with the Carolina Panthers.
Then, Sean McVay may have saved Mayfield’s career by getting him to be Matthew Stafford’s emergency backup with the Los Angeles Rams.
Fast forward to today, and Mayfield looks mature, poised and in full control of the Tampa Bay offense, the team, and even the city.
The Buccaneers have a league-best 5-1 record, and Mayfield is among the favorites to win NFL MVP.
He’s pulled off three game-winning drives in the five victories, and he’s done so without some of his best weapons on the field.
The Bucs have lost key offensive linemen and playmakers Bucky Irving, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr., as well as rookie Emeka Egbuka, to injury.
But as long as Mayfield is available and playing at this level, they have a chance in every game.
Plus, you know you’re doing things well when Brady gives you his stamp of approval.
