NFL DC Disses Baker Mayfield: Bucs QB 'Doesn't Scare Me' and Make Me Say 'Oh, S--t'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield doesn't intimidate one anonymous NFL defensive coordinator.

"He can sling it," the defensive coordinator said, per The Athletic's Mike Sando. "If he is coached well and he feels good, he is a good system quarterback. He can get rolling and make some plays. He doesn't scare me. With some of those 2's, you are like, 'Oh, s--t, I have to do something to stop them.' I don't feel that with Baker. He's a guy where we can play our stuff and be fine."

Mayfield wrapped up a bounce-back season with the Buccaneers in 2023 after suiting up for three separate teams from 2021 through 2022. He finished with career-high totals of 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while he was picked off just 10 times.

The 29-year-old led Tampa Bay to an NFC South title, making it to the divisional round of the playoffs before ultimately falling to the Detroit Lions. Mayfield earned a Pro Bowl nod and finished No. 3 in Comeback Player of the Year voting.

If the former No. 1 overall pick is able to remain consistent and build upon his 2023 campaign, he could cause defensive game plans to change more often. He should also be able to grow even more comfortable in Tampa Bay's offense after signing a three-year, $100 million deal to stay with the team in free agency.

With five-time Pro Bowl wideout Mike Evans returning following his own two-year contract from the team during the offseason, the duo will attempt to lead the Buccaneers to a fourth consecutive division title starting in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.