How Baker Mayfield helped struggling Buccaneers rookie WR ahead of season
Back in the spring, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver and 2025 first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka detailed how quarterback Baker Mayfield quickly emerged as a mentor and somebody to lean on during springtime workouts.
For a piece published on Monday, ESPN's Jenna Laine expanded on Mayfield's growth as the undisputed leader of the Tampa Bay offense.
Baker Mayfield put in extra time with Tez Johnson
Per Laine, Buccaneers rookie wideout and seventh-round draft choice Tez Johnson revealed that he felt like "bullets were flying" as he attempted to learn the offense during training camp. Mayfield offered to watch film with Johnson at 5 a.m. ahead of practices.
"He was already here at 4:30," Johnson said about Mayfield. "He just gave me advice on how the league works and how I should think on certain routes, and that allowed me to know, 'All right, he believes in me, so I'm going to do my best of my ability to go out there and perform for him.'"
That extra work paid off in a big way when Tampa Bay's Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan were sidelined with injuries for the Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers before Egbuka went down with a hamstring issue. With under three minutes remaining in the third quarter of that contest, Mayfield connected with Johnson for a highlight-reel 45-yard touchdown pass:
Having Baker Mayfield gives Buccaneers "a chance to win" any game
Analysts have routinely referred to Mayfield as a legitimate Most Valuable Player Award candidate ahead of Monday night's game between the 5-1 Buccaneers and Detroit Lions (4-2) that will be held at Detroit's Ford Field. According to ESPN stats, Mayfield began Monday ranked eighth in the NFL among qualified players with a 71.1 adjusted QBR and seventh with a 108.5 passer rating. Over his first six games of the season, he tallied 12 touchdown passes and only one interception.
"I mean, everybody knows that Baker's playing at an unbelievable level right now," Tampa Bay receiver Kameron Johnson added. "So, I mean, it don't matter who's out there. Any given Sunday, whenever Baker Mayfield is out there, there's a chance to win. And he's playing at an unbelievable MVP level right now."
As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Mayfield second among the betting favorites at +320 odds to claim MVP honors for this season. It could be interesting to recheck such lists if he leads Tampa Bay to a win over Detroit in front of a prime-time audience.
BREAKING: Boston Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet and Family Face Heart-Wrenching News About His Father
In a deeply emotional announcement, Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet and his family are facing a devastating personal challenge. Crochet’s father has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, and the family is coming together to provide him with all the support he needs during this incredibly difficult time.
Garrett Crochet, known for his blazing fastball and resilience on the mound, shared the heartbreaking news today through a personal statement on his social media. While the specifics of his father’s condition have not been revealed, Crochet expressed his gratitude for the support they’ve already received and emphasized his commitment to being there for his father as he navigates this difficult journey.
“My father has been my role model and my biggest source of strength,” Crochet shared in his emotional post. “This is the hardest fight we’ve ever faced as a family, but we’re going to stick together and stay strong. I’m asking for your prayers and support as we face this battle. My family means everything to me, and we will get through this together.”
The message quickly spread across social media, with Red Sox fans, teammates, and MLB fans alike offering their support, prayers, and words of encouragement to Crochet and his family. Known for his leadership and determination on the field, Crochet’s vulnerability in sharing this personal struggle has only deepened the respect and admiration of his supporters.
The Red Sox organization has issued a public statement of support, with general manager Chaim Bloom saying, “Garrett is a tremendous pitcher, but it’s his heart and character that truly define him. Our thoughts are with him, his father, and their entire family during this difficult time. The entire Red Sox organization stands behind them, and we’ll support them every step of the way.”
This news comes during a season in which Garrett Crochet has been playing at a high level, continuing to show his potential as one of the league’s top pitchers. However, his focus now shifts to his family as they face this emotional trial.
As Garrett and his family navigate this difficult time, baseball takes a backseat. The entire Red Sox community, along with MLB fans around the world, stands united in supporting Garrett and his family as they fight through this challenge together.
