Baker Mayfield wants to leave
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield discusses his reasons for wanting to join the New England Patriots.
In response to Lions defender C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s comments this week that the Bucs lack a competent quarterback, Baker Mayfield told him he has to review his film study.
Gardner-Johnson told the Detroit Free Press that, “apart from the Tampa bunch, this group probably is one of the better groups we’ve seen all year.” in response to a question regarding getting ready for the Rams last week. That Tampa club is excellent if you give them a strong quarterback. Godwin, Russell Gage, and Evans make a fantastic trio. I engaged in serious play against them.”
In response, Mayfield said on Wednesday, “Given that he brought up Russell Gage, I don’t think he’s actually seen the movie. Although we adore Russell, he hasn’t contributed a snap to our team this year.”
During a joint training camp exercise with the New York Jets, Gage sustained a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Trey Palmer, David Moore, and even Thompkins, wide receivers, filled the vacancy. Following Tom Brady’s retirement, Mayfield joined the Bucs this offseason on a one-year contract. On Monday night, the Bucs defeated the Eagles 32-9 in the wild-card round to win the NFC South and finish 9-8 overall.
With a record of 2-1 overall in the postseason, Mayfield dismissed it and expressed his excitement to take on the skilled safety of the Lions, who are well-known for their trash talk. Gardner-Johnson’s disparaging remarks have gotten worse at times. Three different receivers punched him in 2021 alone. Due to an injured pectoral muscle, Gardner-Johnson was unable to play in the Lions’ Week 6 20–6 victory over the Bucs in Tampa.
Mayfield remarked, “He must be basing that off of preseason stuff that the media was talking about.” I can’t wait to see him. He’s an extremely good player, in my opinion. He’s been there for some time now. Every team he’s been on has benefited from having him, according to Mayfield. “Well, he’s a talented player, but I still need to watch a little bit more film.”
Against the Eagles, Mayfield passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns, making history as the first quarterback in Bucs postseason history to pass for 300 yards and three scores. Mayfield’s 11 touchdowns during the last six weeks of the regular season, along with his 1,456 passing yards, were eighth in the league. His 28 touchdowns during the regular season ranked sixth, while his 4,044 throwing yards this season were ninth overall.
