For NFL fans who love the passing game, Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season probably wasn't for you.
The quarterback and offense struggled greatly, and his passing statistics were down compared to recent years, especially his passing touchdowns compared to the previous year. NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo pointed out:and Monday Night Football NFL QB prospects totaled 33 touchdown passes in Week 1, a significant increase from 37 last season and 51 in 2022.
But one of the quarterbacks who did his best to put up those numbers was Baker Mayfield. While other quarterbacks in the league struggled in Week 1, Mayfield shone, completing 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdown passes in Week 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Won 37-20 Washington Commanders.
First, a look at quarterback efficiency (a composite of expected points per play and completion percentage above expected) across the league from Week 1 shows just how outstanding Mayfield was on Sunday. Source:
The video largely backs up what Mayfield was able to accomplish with decisive and consistent play against the Commanders. His first touchdown pass was a vertical route to Mike Evans, an example of Mayfield scanning the defense, identifying the only coverage on Evans and giving his receiver the opportunity to play a vertical route.
In the third quarter, Mayfield completed a pass to Chris Godwin for his second touchdown pass of the day. With Tampa Bay facing first-and-down at the Washington 4-yard line, the Buccaneers ran a pass to the left wing on a switch concept. The friction created as Godwin and Evans came off the line allowed Mayfield the space he needed to thread a pass to Godwin for the score.
Mayfield's third touchdown pass against Washington was the result of a secondary collapse. Tampa Bay ran a three-receiver concept down the right side of the field with tight end Cade Otton running a slight curl route. Rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan got inside to Godwin on a short motion and ran a deep corner route while Godwin released into the flat.
Washington lost McMillan on the defensive end and Mayfield took advantage, scoring a 32-yard touchdown.
The final TD toss? Another example of a goal-line fade giving Evans a chance to win the one-on-one:
But while Mayfield's best two passes of the afternoon didn't result in a touchdown, they did demonstrate the determination and confidence the Buccaneers' passers showed against the Commanders. On this play, Tampa Bay faced a third-down-and-six situation at the Washington 45-yard line and went for a deep concept with Otton running a post route and Evans running a corner route. Watch as Mayfield throws this pass with perfect timing and anticipation:
As soon as Mayfield's right foot lands on the last step of the drop, the quarterback initiates the hitch and releases the ball, a perfect display of quarterback passing rhythm.
Mayfield showed the same timing and rhythm on this deep out route to Trey Palmer.
While the team's passing completion percentage in Week 1 may have been low across the league, it wasn't for a lack of effort from Mayfield. Tampa Bay's quarterback and offense have recaptured the momentum they had last season, winning the NFC South title and advancing to the divisional round. Philadelphia Eagles On Wild Card Weekend.
This performance should signal to the rest of the NFC that the Buccaneers may be back on track.
