Bucs officials don’t have to worry about how their franchise quarterback will handle a potentially catastrophic situation.
No, Joe isn’t referring to hurricanes or the 2024 Bucs pass defense.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin each suffering significant injuries against the Ravens in a home loss last season was a crushing blow. The Bucs’ record fell to 4-3 and the season outlook appeared dark.
Yeah, Tampa Bay lost its next three games, but the offense hung in admirably without its stud receivers.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht joined the Green Light podcast and noted how Bucs coaches did a fantastic job scheming in the absence of Evans and Godwin. Licht pointed to receivers Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller and Jalen McMillan all stepping up along with tight end Cade Otton.
But Licht saved his greatest praise for Baker Mayfield.
“For Baker to handle it all the way he did, that could scare a lot of quarterbacks off, spook them into saying, ‘Sheez, I’m done two elite receivers; what am I going to do?'” Licht said. “But he had the confidence to get through it. And he’s a phenomenal leader, and everybody just kind of followed his lead.”
Joe was extremely impressed by Mayfield at times during that stretch without Evans and Godwin. Consider that when the Bucs drove in the fourth quarter to tie the Chiefs in Kansas City with 27 seconds remaining (Todd Bowles did not go for two), the completions on that 71-yard drive were three to Shepard, two to Trey Palmer and one each to Otton and Miller.
Enough said.
