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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Thanks to Baker Mayfield playing turnover-free ball and a defense that’s reverted to its old stingy ways, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a surprising 2-0 start.
A tough test awaits next Monday night when the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles visit Raymond James Stadium, though, and the Bucs understand they’ll need to play better than they did in victories over Minnesota and Chicago to stay unbeaten.
“It’s always going to be positive when you’re winning and you’re undefeated. We’re going to take that,” star receiver Mike Evans said. “It’s two ugly wins, but we love those. We love winning.”
With Mayfield doing a terrific job of taking care of the ball and the defense seemingly back on track after not being as reliable as usual a year ago, the Bucs are showing they’re capable of being successful without Tom Brady.
Despite losing the seven-time Super Bowl winner to retirement, Tampa Bay is the only team in the NFL to start 2-0 each of the past three seasons.
Mayfield, who’s with his fourth team in just over two years, is a big reason why.
The 28-year-old quarterback has completed 69 percent of his passes for 490 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His 104.4 passer rating is the highest he’s had through the first two weeks of a season.
Turnovers undermined Mayfield in previous stops with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. Since joining Tampa Bay on a one-year contract that could be worth up to $8.5 million, the Bucs don’t have a single giveaway.
“He’s been through a lot in five years. He’s been through ups and downs,” coach Todd Bowles said of Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 draft. “He knows it’s not about him. It’s about the team. He’s being very smart with the football.”
Meanwhile, a rejuvenated defense that has been among the best in the league at stopping the run and forcing turnovers under Bowles is regaining some of the swagger it lost a…
Source link : https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/baker-mayfield-rejuvenated-defense-key-233710698.html?src=rss
Author : The Canadian Press
Publish date : 2023-09-18 23:37:10
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