JACKSONVILLE – Like every NFL quarterback, Baker Mayfield has a clock in his head.

It’s a mental timer that starts with the snap, grab, drop back and set up. Ideally, the trigger is pulled when it hits the back foot.

But after practice against the Jaguars on Thursday, Mayfield noticed that he was a touch or so too fast.

“Timing and anticipation on some of those routes we took against our defense – just the notion of expecting guys in certain spots, I would say I was a little early (on Thursday),” Mayfield said. “They don’t apply as much pressure as our defense, which is good and bad at the same time. We’re so used to getting the ball out quick against our guys, but when it comes to a game plan and you’re playing against other teams, it’s a little easier.

“I have to slow down a bit and consistently get the ball to the right places.”

What Mayfield didn’t say, but which is obvious when watching the Bucs play, is that they are much better on the offensive line.

Bookend tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke are more than solid. However, the biggest improvements have been at the interior positions.

Rookie center Graham Barton, the Bucs’ first-round pick, has made a seamless transition from tackle, where he played three of his four seasons at Duke.

Guard Cody Mauch has put on some muscle and is playing faster in his second professional season. And finally, the Bucs are getting a big boost from Giants free agent guard Ben Bredeson.

Although Mayfield has spent more time in the pocket, the biggest improvements have come in the running game.

In last week’s 17-14 preseason win at Cincinnati, the Bucs rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, a welcome relief for a team that has finished last in rushing each of the past two seasons.

Much of the credit also goes to the system introduced by new offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

“I’m a big fan of it, and that’s not just the company line. That’s a personal statement,” Bredeson said. “The way you can attack the defense in different ways by moving guys around, creating different running angles and being able to spread the defense out to then pull them back inside or get around the edge.”

“There are so many different things you can do with the ball from a running perspective. It’s very intriguing. … It’s really an exciting offense to run.”

Bredeson, 26, started all 16 games for the Giants last season and 25 in his entire career. He was selected by the Ravens in the fourth round out of Michigan and traded to the Giants the next season.

At 6’5″ and 310lbs, he brings more size and athleticism to a game that is predominantly focused on the perimeter.

“Just a pro among pros. He played a lot. A sharp guy,” said Kevin Carberry, Bucs offensive line coach. “Great in the conference room. Great on the field. He’s one of those pros that’s just a joy to coach. We all have to continue to get better. … We have to develop as the year goes on. But he’s been a great fit in the room.”

Bredeson has also played center in his career and is therefore invaluable to Barton.

“Ben has been so great for me, especially since he came to (organized team activities), and now he’s just a veteran presence for me at left guard and I’m right there at center,” Barton said. “… Just having his experience and a veteran next to him at the line of scrimmage is very helpful.”

While most of the Bucs’ regular players did not play in the season opener, including Wirfs and Goedeke, Barton as well as Mauch and Bredeson got a lot of work.

What’s exciting for the Bucs is that for the first time in more than two seasons, the offensive line consistently opened up gaps and also made blocks on the second level against the linebackers.

“I’m really excited about this line this year,” Bredeson said. “I think there’s definitely a lot of athleticism in it, and as we’ve talked about, the cohesion that everyone strives for helps you on the field as well. It’s going to be an exciting year and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish as a group.”

Remember, these five offensive players could stay together for several years. Wirfs signed a five-year deal and Barton could stay in Tampa for at least that long. Mauch is in his second year, while Goedeke is in his third.

Along with Bredeson and Barton, one of the Bucs’ top offseason additions was Carberry, the Rams’ former offensive line coach in 2021. He was the Saints’ assistant offensive line coach last season.

The Bucs allowed run game coordinator Harold Goodwin and offensive line coach Joe Gilbert to go to Carolina with Dave Canales when he got the head coaching job with the Panthers.

What was one of the most important points Carberry made as a coach? “Play fast,” he said. “No matter what scheme you use – run, guard, gap scheme, zone scheme, perimeter scheme – you want guys that play fast.”

Although Mayfield may have to slow down his clock due to the many protective measures.

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