This offseason, Baker Mayfield found the stability in his NFL career that had been missing in recent seasons when he was rewarded for his resurgent 2023 season with a lucrative long-term deal to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, 2024 didn’t come without change, as he had to absorb a new offensive scheme for the fourth time in 24 months. Dave Canales left his offensive coordinator post to take over as the Carolina Panthers’ head coach, and Liam Coen was hired to replace him.
The Bucs obviously found some offensive success under Canales, given the team’s advancement to the Divisional Round of the playoffs and Coen’s job offer from a division rival. Most notably, Mayfield had his own career year with 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdown passes and first Pro Bowl invitation. However, they are excited about the potential for that offense to get even better under Coen’s direction. On Wednesday, as Mayfield closed in on his first live game action in the new system, he was asked what the central strength of Coen’s offense is and his answer started with a single word.
“Versatility,” said Mayfield. “I think with us improving the running game and bringing the pieces back that we have at receiver, and then adding a few pieces, as well, just in the skill group department… I think versatility is going to be our biggest weapon. Lining up and having teams decide how they want to defend us. Our guys have to be able to react and adapt to that. We’re teaching the game right now and I think our guys are going to be able to handle that.”
Mayfield and most of the Bucs’ starters sat out the first two preseason contests but are going to get an extended look on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins. From the sideline, Mayfield witnessed a decidedly more effective rushing attack, which has produced 106.0 yards per game and 4.42 yards per carry, the latter of which ranks fourth among all NFL teams this summer. Tampa Bay was dead last in both categories last season.
Coen has advertised an intent to diversify the run scheme rather than lean heavily on one or two concepts, such as duo or wide-zone. The idea is to make it harder for opposing teams to guess which way the ball will be going. Pre-snap motion and shifts at a much higher rate than last year adds to the disguise. The Bucs have revamped the interior of their offensive line, particularly with rookie first-rounder Graham Barton stepping in at center, and Coen’s schemes are playing to…
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