In a vibrant NFL game, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield made clear the meaning of the 29-27 victory over the New York Jets.
A triumph with a personal touch
Mayfield did not hesitate to express that this triumph had a special meaning, pointing directly at Steve Wilks, the Jets’ defensive coordinator, who cut him when he was coach of the Carolina Panthers.The meeting also marked the first matchup of the Bucs’ Todd Bowles against the Jets, who fired him in 2018, now as head coach. In the game, Haason Reddick, former Jets player, was also a key factor. Mayfield has achieved significant victories for Tampa Bay, something he couldn’t achieve in Carolina while recovering from a shoulder injury in 2022. After the Panthers had a 1-5 start to the season, Wilks planned to make him the third quarterback behind P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold. When the Panthers informed Mayfield, he requested his release and it was granted. On Sunday, Mayfield became the fourth quarterback in the last 30 years to produce a game-winning drive in each of the first three games of the season, joining Nick Foles (2014, Eagles), Matt Ryan (2015, Falcons) and Ryan Tannehill (2020, Titans). The Bucs became the fourth team since the 1970 merger to win three consecutive games with a score in the last minute of the last quarter, along with the 1994 Giants, the 1998-99 Cardinals, and the 2017 Steelers, according to Elias Sports Bureau.I loved it. And also, their defensive coordinator was the one who cut me in Carolina.
Baker Mayfield
Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka praised Mayfield, highlighting his leadership and determination. The left guard/center Ben Bredeson added: “There’s no one I’d rather have than Baker on the two-minute drive at the end.” The Bucs won with only two of their starting offensive linemen, as All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is still recovering from knee surgery and right tackle Luke Goedeke and right guard Cody Mauch were placed on the reserve list due to injury last week. The receiving group is still without Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, and Mike Evans left in the final quarter on Sunday with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Zyon McCollum stated that there is never panic with Mayfield in difficult moments. Knowing it, he does it every day, every week. As a defense, seeing a guy like Baker come out… some of the runs he makes, some of the runs he has, the courage he shows… I trust him 100% and the offense to go out and do it in those crucial moments.He’s a born leader. Someone who is willing to die on the field before giving up or fading away. I think it’s pretty special to have someone like that leading your offense and leading your team, so we’re in good hands.
Emeka Egbuka
