Baker Mayfield It’s best never to count out Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. After five seasons, six separate offensive coordinators, and playing through injuries, Baker Mayfield’s time as a starter in the NFL seemed to be approaching an abrupt and uneventful end. However, the Oklahoma product followed up a poor ten-touchdown, eight-pick 2022 campaign with a 28-touchdown season because, well, of course, he did.
The former college walk-on turned first overall pick posted near career numbers this season, his first with the Bucs. The Pro Football Writers of America named Mayfield the 2023 Most Improved Player for his efforts. The NFL also listed Mayfield also a finalist for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, but Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin won it.
After a lackluster 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Baker Mayfield landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year prove-it deal. The former first-overall pick led the Bucs to a 9-8 record, winning the AFC South. He finished the season with 4,044 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and ten picks. He completed 64% of his passes. Mayfield played through injured at times but posted numerous well-rounded games. His best game of the year came on the road against Green Bay, going 22 of 28 for 381 yards and four scores.
Mayfield also shined in the postseason. He threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns in a 32-9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Wild Card Weekend. The Heisman Trophy Award winner followed up the elite showing with 349 yards and three touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. However, he threw two picks in the 31-23 loss.
The PFWA Most Improved Player Award debuted in 2000, with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia earning the recognition. Mayfield’s victory marks back-to-back seasons that a quarterback achieved the accolade. Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Geno Smith won MIP last season. He led the league with a 69.8% completion percentage while throwing for 30 touchdowns against 11 picks. Smith entered 2022 as an opening-day starter for the first time since 2014.
Baker Mayfield became the first Tampa Bay Buccaneer to win Most Improved Player honors. The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys remain tied with the most recipients at three. Wide receivers Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and corner Trevon Diggs have won MIP for the Cowboys. Meanwhile, Jeff Garcia, running back Frank Gore, and tight end George Kittle have won it for the 49ers.
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