Mr Consistently Inconsistent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is no stranger to controversy.
From being arrested while in College at Oklahoma University, to being filmed using nicotine pouches on the sideline this season.
Mayfield is also known for his grit, work ethic, and confidence which is often confused with ego.
A number one overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and Heisman winner, Mayfield had huge expectations upon him entering the league.
But just how good is Baker Mayfield?
What makes a great quarterback?
Brett Favre. Tom Brady. Peyton Manning. Patrick Mahomes. Thousands of touchdowns, multiple rings, and historical plays are some of the elements that define these elite players.
Some of the most important elements include leadership, playoff success, and statistics.
So how does Mayfield compare to some quarterbacks who are considered elite?
Mayfield has bounced around since entering the league, playing for four different franchises since 2018.
Since his debut with the Bucs in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, Mayfield has 52 passing touchdowns. No player has more than him in this time period.
This season Mayfield already has 24, after having 28 last season.
He has more touchdowns and less picks than Mahomes, and more touchdowns than Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts.
He also has the same amount of touchdowns as Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow – both having MVP-calibre seasons.
In fact, per cbssports.com, Baker Mayfield is ninth in the MVP favourite list, at +3500 odds.
Mayfield’s stats do not lie, but there is more to him. His leadership and grit truly define him, as was seen against the New York Giants last Sunday.
Mayfield is seen by fans and teammates alike as a leader, as well as a down to earth person.
What does his future hold?
While he can have great games, he can also make costly mistakes, this season especially.
Mayfield already has nine interceptions in 2024, whereas he had 10 in the whole of last season.
The game that exemplifies Mayfield, was Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
In that game at the Super Dome, Mayfield had four touchdowns and three interceptions.
He is consistently inconsistent.
His inconsistency is the main issue that holds him back from people considering him to be a truly great player.
What is more, Mayfield has not been able to show much for the Bucs in the postseason.
He is 1-1 for the Bucs in the playoffs, and may not even get a chance in the postseason this year.
If Mayfield can drag the Bucs to the playoffs with some great performances, people will pay more attention to him.
Controversial. Fiery. Confident. Inconsistent. Elite? While Mayfield is a great player and no doubt a top 15 quarterback, he has a long way to go to truly be great.
