“I’m Never Gonna Be Tom Brady”: Baker Mayfield Sets Expectations Straight on Very First Appearance as Bucs QB

Life after Tom Brady is certainly not easy, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going through a lot of changes in the squad. Recently, they signed the 27-year-old quarterback Baker Mayfield in a one-year contract, worth $8.5 million. And the QB would already know that he is going to fill very big shoes as the successor to the NFL GOAT. Earlier, the former Rams QB faced the media for the first time, as he made an honest admission about following the 7-time Super Bowl champion in the Bucs’ team.

Notably, Mayfield did not have a great season last year, as the Panthers benched him in the middle of the season. Later, he joined the Rams for the last few games, where he showed some signs of life. However, following Brady’s footsteps is a nearly impossible task, as he admitted in the press conference.

Baker Mayfield made an honest admission about Tom Brady

When asked about stepping into Brady’s shoes, Mayfield said, “Listen, I’m never gonna be Tom Brady. There’s a reason he’s won so many Super Bowls. He’s the greatest of all time. There’s no doubt about that. I’m not gonna try to be Tom. I’m gonna be me. That’s what’s gotten me to this point.“

However, he did mention learning from the players and coaches about the things Brady used to do at the organization and implementing them on the field. “We are gonna do it differently, but that’s what makes this league so special. Everybody puts their own touch on it. Yeah, it’s an honor to follow up somebody like that… the people would have played with him around here, I’m gonna pick their brains, the things he did. There’s no doubt about that; so, I’m so excited. Like I said, the organization has seen success. Following a guy like that, it’s special,“ the QB further said.

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It is worth noting that Brady played three seasons with the Bucs and reached the playoffs in all three seasons. Moreover, they also won a Super Bowl in the 2021 season. Certainly, Mayfield’s first task will be to take the Bucs to the playoffs. On the other hand, he may have to fight for a starting spot, as the franchise is keeping their faith in Kyle Trask, who is most likely to take the mantle from Brady.

Following up after Brady is not an easy job

Whoever plays as the starting QB for the Bucs will certainly have to up their game to match Brady’s stature. It did not happen with the Patriots, since Brady left them back in 2020. Since then, both HC Bill Belichick and QB Mac Jones found it incredibly difficult to match Brady’s numbers.

After Brady left, the Patriots qualified just once in the playoffs and Belichick failed to win a single game. Safe to say, Brady sets high standards, and not many people can match them. As for Mayfield or Trask, the 2023 season will be a massive test for them, which could indicate their future with the franchise.

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