Buccaneers legend Lavonte David doesn't believe Mike Evans leaving Tampa is causing Baker Mayfield's early struggles.
Through the first two games of the season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has not played up to the standard of a QB making $55 million per season.
In Week 1 on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mayfield lost three fumbles, which helped the Bucs dig an early hole that proved too deep as they fell 33-27.
Tampa can't be successful with its quarterback playing sloppy football, and needed Mayfield to bounce back in his revenge game against Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
Unfortunately for the Bucs, Mayfield struggled again against Cleveland. He was completely outplayed by Watson, and Tampa suffered a devastating loss against one of the NFL's worst teams.
Mayfield's underwhelming play has been a huge factor in the Bucs' depressing 0-2 start. Not only have his struggles taken away much of the optimism anyone had for the team this season, but the losses have also made the calls for Todd Bowles' job deafening and have some questioning if Mayfield is worth his huge contract extension.
There are several reasons that could be causing Mayfield's problems. Tampa's offensive line, supposed to be the team's biggest strength, has not met expectations. Mayfield has been sacked seven times through two games, a number that could be even higher if not for his ability to evade pressure. He could also be feeling the weight of his new contract, leading Mayfield to try to do too much.
According to former Bucs star Lavonte David, one of the reasons for Mayfield's struggles isn't that the QB is missing another former franchise legend, wide receiver Mike Evans.
Making an appearance on Kay Adams' Up & Adams show, David was asked if Mayfield's issues are as simple as not having Evans anymore, which he refuted.
Believes Issues Are Separate From Evans
David thinks that Mayfield's early-season struggles are unrelated to Evans' departure. The future Hall of Famer answered that the turnovers have nothing to do with the Bucs' all-time leading receiver.
"I don't think so. I don't think Mike Evans got nothing to do with turnovers. He's in a new offense. He's gotta get comfortable with a lot of different guys...He don't have J-Mac (Jalen McMillan) out there, one of his top targets...I think if he just keep taking those shots, man, they gonna end up connecting real soon. They gonna fall real soon, and that's when we gonna eat."
David's answer seems a bit contradictory. If Mayfield's issues stem from having to get comfortable with new receivers, that seems directly related to no longer having Evans, with whom he was already very comfortable.
Final Thoughts
It's difficult to believe Mayfield no longer having the best WR he has ever had in his career isn't leading to some of his issues.
It may not be the only reason, but losing a future Hall of Famer would hurt any quarterback.
David does make a good point in saying that McMillan barely being on the field is part of the problem. Mayfield also must continue to build a connection with second-year WR Emeka Egbuka and rookie Ted Hurst.
Whatever is causing Mayfield's troubles must be corrected soon. The Bucs have a difficult upcoming schedule and run the risk of the season being over before it ever had a chance to be successful.
