The Tampa Bay Buccaneers evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton, and they are now gathering in Louisiana. The Bucs are keen to get behind their heartbreaking overtime loss to division rival Atlanta Falcons and ready for a crucial game against the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay had something to prove going forward after that loss, which also took them out of the lead in the NFC South.
Baker Mayfield had an outstanding day despite the loss, finishing 19 of 24 for 180 passing yards and three touchdowns in addition to 42 rushing yards on six runs. Sadly, the Falcons marched down the field and scored a 45-yard touchdown pass to end the game before the Bucs ever had the opportunity to get the ball in overtime. But Mayfield’s performance moved him up to No. 9 in the NFL Quarterback Index, moving him up one spot. Mayfield’s impressive start is reflected in his stats through five games this season. 1,164 passing yards, a 71.9 percent completion rate, 11 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 107 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, and 3 fumbles were also recorded.
The Bucs will now focus on the Saints, who are still hurting after their Monday night loss to the Chiefs. With starter quarterback Derek Carr out with an oblique injury, New Orleans will turn to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. If Tampa Bay’s defence can contain the Saints’ potentially run-heavy offence, they might take advantage of the situation and repeatedly put the ball back in Mayfield’s hands throughout the contest.
If the Bucs beat the Saints and the Falcons lose, they may take the lead in the NFC South once again and be well-positioned to lock up a postseason spot as the season goes on.
