Indeed, Mel Allen’s iconic “How about that?” fits perfectly here! Baker Mayfield’s journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been full of surprises. When he signed that prove-it deal in 2023, many doubted if he could revive his career, especially after bouncing around teams. There were calls for Kyle Trask, but as you noted, Mayfield had Bowles’ confidence from the start.
Mayfield has proven his worth with the Bucs, playing with a chip on his shoulder and showing the kind of leadership and grit that made him the first overall pick in 2018. His resurgence has kept Trask on the sidelines, and he’s helped keep the Bucs competitive in the NFC South. It’s a great example of how much trust from a coach and a new environment can change the narrative around a player. How about that, indeed!
Haha, I can sense the frustration with the media narratives! It’s true, national sports media often gravitates toward certain stories—like the Jets drama with Aaron Rodgers or the constant fascination with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. Baker Mayfield leading the NFL in touchdown passes six games into his second season with the Bucs just doesn’t fit the “preset talking points” that shows like *First Take* or *Around the Horn* love to hammer home.
Mayfield, especially after bouncing around from Cleveland to Carolina to Los Angeles, doesn’t carry the same “must-discuss” aura in mainstream media compared to big-market teams or high-profile quarterbacks. It’s a shame because his resurgence is a compelling story, especially for a Buccaneers team many thought would collapse after Tom Brady’s retirement.
As for Mike Greenberg’s *Stay in Bed* (a fitting jab!), it’s unlikely he’s going to give Mayfield much love when he can focus on the Jets’ never-ending soap opera. Mayfield leading the NFL in touchdowns? That might just disrupt their precious narrative that the Jets’ QB situation is more intriguing than any actual on-field success.
So yeah, you’re probably right—don’t hold your breath waiting for Mayfield’s praise on the big shows today!
