Baker Mayfield’s Ownership in 2024, K.J. Britt’s Larger Role, Cody Mauch’s Development, & More | Brianna’s Blitz
As voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) unfold, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for the 2024 season, with key players stepping into new roles and building on past performances. Here are the highlights from the podium during OTAs, focusing on Baker Mayfield’s leadership, K.J. Britt’s expanded role, Cody Mauch’s development, and more.
K.J. Britt’s Expanded 2024 Role
K.J. Britt’s contributions last season were significant, especially in defending the run, and he’s poised for a larger role in 2024 following Devin White’s departure to the Eagles. Britt’s increased playing time in 2023, including four game starts and 29 tackles (one for loss), showcased his aggressive and effective playstyle.
Coach Todd Bowles on Britt:
“Obviously, he can play all three downs. We have so many packages and guys to move around—it’s a little early to determine who will be on what. In one week, he could be, in one week, he may not be, depending on who we’re playing and what we have available. But he’s ready to play all three downs.
I love his maturity. He’s grasping the mental part of the game and becoming the leader of that defense along with Lavonte [David], ‘Win’ (Antoine Winfield Jr.) and Vita [Vea]. We’re kind of happy with where he’s progressing right now… It was never his coverage skills, with him. It was always his eyes.
His eyes have gotten a lot calmer. He’s settled down, he knows what’s going on, and he understands where he needs to be on the field. I think he’s doing a lot better at that.”
Clean Bill of Health for Jamel Dean
Jamel Dean aims to make a significant impact in 2024 after an injury-plagued 2023 season where he still managed to record four passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and 61 tackles in 13 starts. Dean has focused on refining his press bail technique and catching skills during OTAs.
Coach Bowles on Dean:
“When he’s healthy and he’s on the field, he’s a great asset for us. To go from good to great, you first have to be healthy. His message for camp is to master the defense and not worry about the offense. If he understands where his help is, he’ll have a heck of a year.”
Baker Mayfield’s Ownership of Offense
Baker Mayfield enters the 2024 season as the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback, having secured the role with a strong 2023 campaign. Mayfield led Tampa Bay to an NFC South title and and an appearance in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, setting career highs in several categories.
Coach Bowles on Mayfield:
“It’s the same Baker, it’s just him and Liam [Coen] getting on the same page, him and Thad [Lewis] getting on the same page [and] embracing the offense that is getting installed and checking to the right plays. The drive and the vigor are always there, but the maturity of how he’s handling the situation right now—learning a new offense—has been great.”
Cody Mauch’s Growth in Second Season
Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cody Mauch transitioned from left tackle in college to right guard for the Bucs. Despite the challenges, Mauch played all 1,237 offensive snaps in 2023 and aims to add mass and strength for 2024.
Coach Bowles on Mauch:
“Obviously, the biggest thing for Cody, [is] that you look for more strength, obviously, coming out of college last year. He’s worked on that in the offseason; he looks bigger. He’s always been smart, he’s always been tough, and I think the game has slowed down for him quite a bit.”
The Buccaneers are preparing for the upcoming season, with key players like K.J. Britt, Jamel Dean, Baker Mayfield, and Cody Mauch stepping into pivotal roles. The team’s success in 2024 will hinge on their development and performance, as they look to build on last season’s achievements and make another deep playoff run.