Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield is already beating Kyle Trask in one area
The definition of the word "moxie" is, "full of energy/pep, courage/determination, and know-how", according to Merriam Webster. It's a word that's been heard a lot this offseason, especially in reference to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield."I was on a college trip when I went down to Oklahoma and everything he stood for as far […]
The definition of the word "moxie" is, "full of energy/pep, courage/determination, and know-how", according to Merriam Webster. It's a word that's been heard a lot this offseason, especially in reference to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
"I was on a college trip when I went down to Oklahoma and everything he stood for as far as leading a team on offense – he [Mayfield] had moxie, he had natural leadership skills, it's not over-blown," head coach Todd Bowles said back in April. "Guys naturally gravitate toward him."
Offensive coordinator Dave Canales didn't use the exact wording when he described Mayfield a few weeks ago, but it's clear he feels the same way about the sixth-year signal-caller, as well.
“I just like his presence. He just has such a great swag," said Canales. "He steps into the huddle and he belongs. He comes in here, he lights up the room. He’s a good dude and he knows how to connect with people – that’s what I’ve been most excited [about]. And then of course, the game is never too big for him – the bullets start flying and he stays cool. I love that about him."
Right now, it's tough to figure out which quarterback will lead the way in 2023. It's going to be this way until the preseason starts, as well. As we all know, quarterbacks are off-limits until preseason games, therefore, it's all about analyzing aspects such as knowledge of the playbook, making the right reads, and simply understanding the game.
But, intangible traits like moxie and leadership are big factors when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks, as well.
"From an analyzing standpoint, again it’s the grasp of the offense, it’s the reading of the defense – it’s not necessarily making the big play but the right play," Bowles told reporters Tuesday. "Then it comes down to moxie, it comes down to intelligence – in-game intelligence and adjustments and fits and film work. You can see who the team galvanizes around and who’s ready to play the first game and you make a decision from there. It’s constant analyzation, whether it’s small or whether it’s big – it’s constant analysis from now up until we name a starter.”
We all saw how the Bucs gravitated toward Tom Brady over the last few years and we all saw how his fiery, dedicated approach impacted the team's work habits, study habits, and everything else. So, it makes sense that the Bucs want to find someone that, while they will never be as decorated and accomplished as Brady, they can at least provide a spark that ignites the fire in the guys around him.
And it's clear that right now, Mayfield is the leader in the Moxie Department.
"It's been fun, it's different but it's been fun," former Pro Bowl safety Winfield Jr. told reporters. "We talk trash in between periods every now and then, but he's also a great quarterback. I love his mentality towards the game and he's fun to practice against…
"… You can tell he's a competitor just by the trash-talking we have between periods and stuff like that. So, you've got to love that coming from your quarterback."
When discussing Trask, these characteristics really haven't been brought up. That's no fault of Trask's, however, it's just not really his personality. Still, it's notable, because it's clearly something the Bucs coaches are looking for and let's be real: players have to have an intensity to them on the football field.
“In the trash-talking category? I don’t know, you’ve got to get me pretty riled up," said Trask. "I try to keep my cool. It’s a case-by-case basis, I guess.”
There are advantages to playing it cool. The game of football is full of ups-and-downs and it certainly helps to have your most important player keep his head on straight when things are going both really well and awry.
But at the same time, with the Buccaneers' backs against the wall in 2023, they need a guy who can lead them through what will likely be a season full of back-and-forth – highlighted by both highs and lows. They'll need a fiery spirit to keep them on track when the chips are down. And, they'll relish in the confidence and trash-talking that comes with a big win.
In other words: don't discount Mayfield's moxie. It could easily be what propels him to the top this offseason.
