JT Olson’s Buccaneers Offensive Player of the Year

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It was a bit of a let down season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although they did win the NFC South for the fourth straight season, they fell flat in the playoffs with a first round exit. It has left us all with a bitter taste in our mouth.

However, it was an exciting journey along the way. Specifically when you look back at the offense that the Bucs put out on the field. This year was nothing short of one of the most dynamic and effective offenses in Buccaneers history. 

There were so many reasons for this offensive explosion. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen did a fantastic job in designing and adjusting his scheme to the players. The offensive line took a step forward and was one of the best units in the NFL. Rookie running back Bucky Irving burst onto the scene as one of the most elusive running backs in the league. And of course, Mike Evans did Mike Evans things as he continues to solidify himself as one of the ten best wide receivers to ever play the game.

With so many excellent players on this side of the ball it was difficult to choose an MVP. In the end, I chose to pass on future Hall of Famers such as Evans and Tristian Wirfs in favor of the most valuable position in sports. 

Baker Mayfield had a career year in 2024. He shattered his previous career highs by throwing for 4,500 passing yards (3rd in the NFL), completion percentage (3rd in the NFL) and 41 passing touchdowns (2nd in the NFL). It’s fair to say that Mayfield was one of the five most productive quarterbacks in the NFL this season and was worthy of league wide Most Valuable Player conversations.

Keep in mind, Mayfield accomplished this with a slew of injuries along the way. Remember that Chris Godwin was one of the league leaders in just about every receiving category before his season ending injury in mid October. We also saw Mike Evans miss a month of the season and play through a hamstring injury as well as guys like Cade Otton and Jalen McMillan missing time.

It never mattered who was on the field, Mayfield was driving this Bucs offense week in and week out. Sometimes he was literally carrying the team on his back as he set a new career high with 378 rushing yards and tying a career high with 3 rushing touchdowns. His mobility and willingness to trust his receivers almost always put the offense in a good position.

However, his greatest value is not something you will find in the box score. Mayfield has been the leader that this Buccaneers team needed. He is fiery and feisty and plays the game with no fear. Oftentimes that fire has ignited his teammates and elevated their level of play with his willingness to mix things up with the other team.

Mayfield also brings a great level of toughness and grit. He is not the type of quarterback to run out of bounds or slide short of the first down, but rather someone who will take additional punishment to fight for every year. In terms of intangibles, Mayfield has been fantastic since arriving in Tampa and the entire team has responded to him.

At one point I would have credited Mayfield’s success to others such as Evans and Godwin. I can’t say that anymore. He has earned my respect with the way he plays the game and his level of play continuing to elevate. He has turned himself into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC and is continuing to rise to becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

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