The newly remodeled Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, weren’t anticipated to pose much of a threat to Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 on the road.
Even though Cousins put on a show with the team’s aerial attack, tossing for 344 yards and two touchdowns, and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson finishing with 150 yards on nine receptions, that didn’t end up being the case.
Rachaad White of the Buccaneers said that Mayfield was able to read the Vikings’ defensive signals, which allowed him and his teammates to match the Vikings blow for blow in Minnesota during Week 1.
By halftime, Mayfield reportedly understood Minnesota’s defensive cues, which allowed Tampa Bay to take control of the game and win.
White reported this information via Dov Kleiman.
With Mayfield pulling this off in Week 1, he’s undoubtedly made some progress in winning over his new teammates in Tampa Bay, which is a great sign for the team moving forward after losing star quarterback Tom Brady to retirement after the 2022 season.
Mayfield and the Buccaneers might be able to surprise some people this season and possibly establish themselves as the best team in the NFC South division if they can maintain their high level of play going forward.
The New Orleans Saints could be the other team in the NFC South’s two-team divisional race as of right now.