Quarterback Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is working closely with new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard to install fresh plays aimed at boosting the team‘s offensive chemistry. Mayfield highlighted progress during the offseason as the team concentrates on expanding their passing game and improving timing between receivers and quarterback.
Mayfield explained that the offense is striving for more explosive downfield plays, addressing a previous tendency to rely heavily on short passes combined with yards after catch (YAC).
“We’re trying to get some more explosive [plays] in,”
he said, via NFL.com.
“Obviously, when you look at the stats — I’m not a big stats guy — but we weren’t as much down-the-field explosive. We were creating a lot of open, in the middle, and guys getting some YAC. [We’re] working on that, being able to connect on the chemistry we’re trying to build right now and just the timing of some of these routes — where the landmarks are and understanding that if it’s two-high [safety coverage], one-high [safety coverage], where we’re trying to throw the ball.”
Mayfield also underlined the importance of completing any pass with precision, even though the goal is to increase long completions.
“This is the time of year we’re working on it. Obviously, you would love to have more down-the-field shots, but any completion is a good one,”
he said.
Kirk Cousins Stays Grounded Amid Trade Speculations with Falcons
Meanwhile, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons continues to focus on his performance despite ongoing rumors about his future with the team. Cousins emphasized his intent to control what he can amid uncertainty regarding his starting position.
“Obviously, you would love to play, but I’m not going to dwell on things that aren’t reality,”
Cousins said, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic.
“That’s not the situation I’m in, so it’s better to be focused on the situation I’m in and control what I can control. I think that’s the right mindset to have.”
Regarding prior trade discussions, Cousins revealed conversations with team management took place earlier in the year but are now behind them. He is dedicated to performing at his best as the Falcons prepare for the upcoming season.
“Certainly there were conversations in January, February, March, even April, but we’re moving forward now,”
Cousins said.
“Those are things we talked about months ago. Now we need to move forward. Right now, it’s about the situation I’m in and being the best I can be and hopefully, in February, we as an organization are holding up the Lombardi Trophy.”
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in Cousins, underscoring the veteran’s character and commitment to the team’s success.
“I am really comfortable with Kirk because of who he is, the character, the person,”
Morris said.
“We don’t worry about those things with Kirk. He’s going to go out and do whatever it takes to help this football team as long as he’s with us, and he’s with us. It’s been a less dramatic situation than it is from an outside-the-building standpoint.”
Panthers’ Bryce Young Demonstrates Leadership Despite Midseason Bench
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reflected on the challenges and growth witnessed during Bryce Young’s rookie season when he was benched two games into the campaign. Despite this setback, Young remained engaged with the team and emerged as a key leader.
“It’s about this love and respect factor, that we’ve grown with each other through hard times,”
Canales said, via Joseph Person of The Athletic.
“Bryce, during the season, showed me his leadership. Showed me that even when we were a struggling team, even when I took him out, he stayed in the center of it. And he continued to lead. And for him to have the respect to say, ‘Look, I don’t agree with your decision, Coach.’ But working together to continue to grow this thing means so much.”
Young, appreciative of the coaching staff’s belief in him, is now focused on progressing with the team.
“I appreciate the support. I’m grateful for the staff and for the team, obviously, just believing in me and us going (forward) together. We all have the goal to win,”
Young said.
“So it’s good, and now it’s on us to put the work in in the offseason. Make sure we’re going the right direction, working on things, getting to where we need to be for the start of the year. After minicamp, it’ll be on us individually to make sure we’re right, and then go into training camp and into the season.”
Canales admitted the decision to bench Young was difficult given the potential risks to a quarterback’s mentality but ultimately believed it helped Young develop resilience.
“I struggled with that a lot because you see historically what can happen when you have a quarterback (who) comes in and you go through some challenges. Some guys don’t have the resilience to be able to battle through the emotional strain, as well as the football strain combined,”
Canales said.
“I was nervous about that and I struggled with that. That decision was not taken lightly. That risk brought out the best in Bryce.”
Implications for NFL Offense and Quarterback Development This Season
Baker Mayfield’s efforts to build stronger offensive chemistry under Josh Grizzard’s guidance signal a potential shift for the Buccaneers’ passing strategy, aiming to include more dynamic and downfield plays. This adjustment could enhance their scoring potential and keep defenses off balance.
At the same time, Kirk Cousins’ steady approach and inward focus could stabilize the Falcons’ quarterback situation amid speculation, while Raheem Morris’s faith in Cousins minimizes distractions.
The Panthers’ handling of Bryce Young’s early-season benching and his demonstrated leadership reflect the importance of perseverance and support in cultivating young talent. Dave Canales’s recognition of Young’s resilience may influence how teams manage rookie development moving forward.
As the NFL offseason progresses, attention will remain on how quarterbacks like Mayfield, Cousins, and Young adapt and lead their teams, with the promise of impactful play schemes and competitive seasons ahead.