Baker Mayfield Reveals Extra Motivation For Buccaneers Post-Tom Brady

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding a big Week 1 win over the Minnesota Vikings. They upset the Vikings 20-17 despite being outgained 369 total yards to 242 total yards.

It was an impressive all-around win for the Buccaneers. They might have been outgained but they won the turnover battle three to zero. The team was able to outperform the Vikings in certain aspects of the game despite them being the favorites to win.

Baker Mayfield says the low expectations of the team are a driving factor for motivation for the team this season.

“It’s kind of been the motto for us the whole offseason through training camp. I mean, I think you guys see the narrative on the outside of what everybody’s picking against us," Mayfield said to Pro Football Talk.

The expectations riding into the season were quite low considering Tom Brady's exit and retirement. The greatest quarterback of all time left a team that was on the decline as is, so it's expected.

However, the Buccaneers went out and got younger in the offseason and added a former No. 1 overall pick in Mayfield.

"We know the talent and the group that we have within the locker room. That’s the most important part," Mayfield continued. "So we’ll take a road win to open the season no matter what, especially in an environment like that.”

Mayfield's veteran presence and leadership were on display during the game. Things weren't always smooth sailing in the game. The offense got off to a rocky start. When things started to slow down, however, the offense was able to take advantage of the stifling defense from the Buccaneers.

If the Buccaneers' offense can find a way to get in rhythm and complete long drives down the field, that combined with the defense and special teams play saw in Week 1 will allow the team to continue upsetting opponents.

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season.

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