Baker Mayfield Sends Warning About Buccaneers Protection

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2025 NFL season with championship aspirations constructed round an offense that captured consideration all through the league.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a 41-touchdown marketing campaign that has many anticipating one other explosive 12 months from the Buccaneers’ assault.
The roster depth and offensive weapons have created reputable Tremendous Bowl buzz round Tampa Bay.
But, Mayfield just lately provided a distinct perspective on what might outline his crew’s success this season.
“I feel defensively, individuals are going to be shocked. I feel individuals anticipate our offense to be extraordinarily good, and that’s honest expectation. I anticipate the identical factor. However our protection, I feel, goes to be main the cost for us and setting the tone from the get go. They make it actually difficult throughout apply,” Mayfield mentioned on “Up & Adams.”
“I feel defensively …individuals are going to be SHOCKED.”
Sturdy phrases from @bakermayfield on his protection. It is actually the one query you’ll be able to have about this crew & he simply mentioned NOPE. 👎 @Buccaneers @UpAndAdamsShow
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 6, 2025
The boldness stems from what Mayfield has noticed throughout coaching camp.
Veterans like Lavonte David proceed to anchor the protection whereas rising gamers corresponding to YaYa Diaby and Christian Izien have introduced new vitality.
The entrance seven seems extra coordinated, whereas the secondary has tightened its protection methods in comparison with final season.
Tampa Bay completed 18th in complete protection in 2024.
The crew addressed its considerations by focused offseason strikes that centered on bettering the move rush and refining zone protection schemes.
Early camp observations counsel the protection might play an important function within the Buccaneers’ pursuit of a fifth consecutive NFC South title.
No crew within the division’s historical past has achieved that milestone.
Mayfield understands the worth of getting a robust protection complement a high-powered offense.
His perception on this 12 months’s unit might show prophetic as Tampa Bay chases one other playoff run.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Reveals Sincere Ideas About Todd Bowles