Heading into Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings on the road, the new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, weren’t expected to be much of a threat to Kirk Cousins and company.
However, that didn’t turn out to be the case, even though Cousins put on a show with the team’s aerial attack, throwing for 344 yards and two touchdowns, with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson finishing with 150 yards on nine receptions.
It turned out that no matter how successful the Vikings were in the air in Minnesota in Week 1, Mayfield and company were able to go blow for blow, and that was due to Mayfield figuring out the Vikings’ defensive signals, according to Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.
According to White via Dov Kleiman, Mayfield figured out Minnesota’s defensive signals by halftime, and that was enough for Tampa Bay to take control of the game and come out with the win.
Update: #Bucs QB Baker Mayfield revealed that he knew the #Vikings defensive signals during the team's 20-17 win.https://t.co/IFAaKjnCgy
RB Rachaad White told Bucs Radio that at halftime, Baker said: ‘I got it. I know all these signals.'
Full quote: "We’re in there talking as… https://t.co/cdNlhQbSlP pic.twitter.com/q8wHvAPrvZ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 13, 2023
With Mayfield pulling this off in Week 1, he’s definitely made some strides to win over his new teammates in Tampa Bay, which is a great sign for the team moving forward after losing superstar quarterback Tom Brady to retirement after the 2022 campaign.
If the Buccaneers can continue to play at a high level moving forward, Mayfield and company might be able to surprise some people this season and potentially make a case as the best team in the NFC South division.
As of right now, the NFC South seems like a two-team race for the division title, with the New Orleans Saints potentially being the other team.
NEXT: Insider Reports Buccaneers' Trade Plans For Mike Evans
