Baker Mayfield just dropped a huge statement this week, flat out declaring the Buccaneers are going to “shock a lot of people” this year. He’s fired up, no doubt, saying, “I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year, and so I’m excited.” That’s the kind of confidence you love to hear heading into a new season, but man, after last year, it feels like they have a mountain to climb.
The Noise That Fuels the Fire
This kind of bold talk doesn’t come from nowhere, you know? Mayfield isn’t shy about why the Bucs are feeling this burning desire to prove everyone wrong. He said they “can’t avoid it.” The TVs are everywhere, he told reporters, and “Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record.” Honestly, after how things ended last season, it’s not exactly a surprise that the outside world is skeptical. The noise is real, and it’s definitely motivating this team to try a little harder.
Last Season’s Gut Punch Finish Is Still Fresh
Remember that brutal collapse? It’s still fresh in everyone’s mind. The Bucs started the previous season with a sweet 6-2 run, looking like contenders. But then, the wheels absolutely fell off, hard. They limped to a brutal 2-7 finish, ending the year with a losing record. That meant missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. To make it sting even more, the NFC South crown slipped right through their fingers on the very last Sunday of the season, thanks to the Falcons beating the Saints. That loss meant a lost tiebreaker to the Panthers. That kind of late-season implosion leaves a mark, and it’s what’s fueling this “shock a lot of people” mentality from Mayfield and the squad.
Buckle Up: Road Test Against the Bengals
So, where does this prove-them-wrong tour begin for the Buccaneers? They kick off their 2026 road in Ohio, facing the Bengals. Mayfield actually relishes starting the season on the road, which is exactly the kind of gritty mindset you need. He’s all about it being “just the Bucs against everybody else in that city you’re going to,” calling it “a good opportunity for us.” If they’re truly going to shock the league, that’s exactly where you gotta start making a statement. Get ready, because the talking is done, and it’s time to see if they can walk the talk.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply