Chiefs coach makes a sweeping statement about Baker Mayfield ahead of crucial MNF Bucs game
Baker Mayfield, in his second year as a starter in Tampa Bay, leads the league with 21 touchdowns through eight games.
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Baker Mayfield, Steve Spagnuolo (Images via Imago)
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo showered praise on Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield ahead of the Chiefs-Bucs game on Monday. Kansas City Chiefs are unbeaten through the first eight weeks of the season. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to bounce back from a loss against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.
Spagnuolo, considered a defensive weapon in coaching, constructed the famous New York Giants’ defensive strategy in 2007. He was instrumental in putting a stop to the New England Patriots run. Spagnuolo has been the mastermind behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ elite defensive strategy amid the three Super Bowls as well. The praise from Spagnuolo would be something every quarterback aspires to hear.
Steve Spagnuolo, speaking to reporters, noted that Mayfield is perfect in his delivery – quick and on time. Furthermore, Spagnuolo also identified the areas where Mayfield has an upperhand on.
He’s perfect in the system. I see a guy getting the ball out really quick and on time. Before the ball is snapped, he realizes what he has. He’s been really efficient on first and second down and they’re No. 1 on third down.
Steve Spagnuolo said
#Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on Bucs QB Baker Mayfield: "He's perfect in the system. I see a guy getting the ball out really quick and on time. Before the ball is snapped, he realizes what he has. He's been really efficient on first and second down and they're No. 1 on third down."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 1, 2024
The Buccaneers’ offense ranks as the fourth-best in the league, averaging 29.4 points per game. However, they’ve struggled with ball security recently, committing eight turnovers in their last three games. This could make facing Spagnuolo’s tough Chiefs defense especially challenging.
Kansas City’s defense ranks fifth, allowing just 17.6 points per game, and has held opponents under 320 total yards in every game except the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, they’ve forced a turnover in six games and allow only 82.3 rushing yards per game, the second-best mark in the league.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield set up interesting match versus the Chiefs
Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes have squared off five times before. The Tampa Bay quarterback played at Oklahoma State Sooners when Mahomes represented the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In collegiate football, Mayfield won the two games they played against each other. However, in NFL, Mayfield is yet to best Mahomes. Mahomes hold a 3-0 record over Mayfield.
The 2016 game with Mayfield and Mahomes on opposite sides remains to date as one of the most iconic collegiate football moments in the 2010s. Mayfield, who held a grudge at Texas Tech, his first college, and Mahomes combined for 1,279 passing yards, also the most ever in a college football game.
Mayfield’s return to Lubbock, home to Texas Tech, against Mahomes even had a tortilla incident. Recently, Mayfield commented on the ‘Rich Eisen Show’ that it was dumb for him to bite a tortilla thrown at him during that game. He added he won’t be repeating it this time when they head to Arrowhead Stadium.
The Tampa Bay looking to reclaim the first position will attempt to break the winning streak. Mayfield, who is 0-3 against Patrick Mahomes will be their primary weapon. Despite losing two of his trusted receivers, Mayfield has proven he can hold his own against the Falcons. The fact might be the silver lining that helps the Bucs make a difference on Sunday. It would also be an avenue for the controversial QB to put the Zyn comments behind him as well.
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Mohammed Bazim
(491 Articles Published)