A beat-up Baker Mayfield appreciated the timing of Tampa Bay’s bye week, however he is able to kick it again into excessive gear when the Buccaneers host the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Per week with out hits was good for the physique of Mayfield, who continues to be battling knee and indirect accidents heading into the conflict in opposition to one of many NFL’s greatest shock groups.
Tampa Bay gamers got seven consecutive days off by coach Todd Bowles, offering a psychological break in addition to the much-needed bodily reprieve.
“It undoubtedly helps getting relaxation,” Mayfield mentioned Wednesday, when he was a full observe participant. “(I used to be) nonetheless transferring my physique round a bit of bit, not letting your self get too sore, however then additionally simply the non-contact undoubtedly helps.”
Mayfield handed for a season-low 152 yards because the Buccaneers (6-2) recorded a 23-3 win over the host New Orleans Saints previous the bye.
Although his manufacturing dropped the previous two video games, Mayfield has thrown a number of landing passes 5 occasions this 12 months. He has 1,919 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in opposition to simply two interceptions.
The NFC South leaders ought to obtain a sturdy take a look at from a New England squad that has excelled below first-year coach Mike Vrabel.
New England (7-2) holds a half-game lead over the Payments within the AFC East. The Patriots have gained six consecutive video games, together with a powerful 23-20 win at Buffalo on Oct. 5.
Nonetheless, Vrabel is not wanting too far forward.
“For us to take a seat right here, assume that something is huge open and speak about playoffs, we’re specializing in our tenth recreation in a row,” Vrabel mentioned Wednesday. “That is what we’re targeted on — how can we get our our bodies again? How can we get mentally ready, bodily ready to go on the street to a spot that’s onerous to play?
“That is the place our focus is. It is not making an attempt to foretell the way forward for saying, ‘Nicely, it is huge open.’ We’re simply going to maintain specializing in what’s in entrance of us.”
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye has stood out this season, throwing for two,285 yards and 17 touchdowns in opposition to 4 interceptions.
Maye has been extremely constant, by no means reaching 300 yards and by no means falling under 200. He leads the NFL in completion price at 74.1%.
The one obtrusive space of enchancment wanted is figuring out when to throw the ball away or scramble. Maye has been sacked 34 occasions, the second-highest determine within the league, together with six occasions in every of the previous two video games.
“I believe you simply attempt to steadiness getting the soccer to the fellows which might be working the routes, as a result of they’re higher gamers than I’m with the ball of their fingers,” Maye mentioned.
Maye and Mayfield might be firing a number of passes as each defenses are stout in opposition to the run. New England permits a league-low 75.4 dashing yards per recreation, whereas the Buccaneers are seventh at 92.6.
Tampa Bay seemingly will likely be with out its greatest working again, Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), for the fifth straight recreation. He has been missed, because the Bucs are twenty fourth in dashing offense (98.1 yards per recreation).
“We acquired to dam it higher,” Bowles mentioned. “On the identical time, we acquired to grasp that we’re not going to hit our head up in opposition to a brick wall. In the event that they acquired too many individuals up there, we acquired to throw it and loosen it up as nicely.”
Tampa Bay receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) did not observe on Wednesday after lacking the previous three video games. Linebackers Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) and Markees Watts (hand) additionally sat out.
5 gamers missed observe on Wednesday for New England — working again Rhamondre Stevenson (toe), receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), middle Garrett Bradbury (hip), defensive deal with Joshua Farmer (ankle) and linebacker Christian Elliss (hip).
In the latest assembly, Tampa Bay recorded a 19-17 street victory in 2021. New England leads the all-time collection 6-3.
–Subject Degree Media
