2024-01-14 23:08:02
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A rejuvenated Baker Mayfield said he is focused on defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, not the future of a career he has revived by leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the postseason. of the NFL.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft has arguably had his best season as a pro, leading the resurgent Buccaneers (9-8) to what seemed unlikely six weeks ago: winning a third straight division title and a wild-card game on Monday. the night against the defending NFC champion Eagles (11-6).
Since arriving in Tampa Bay on a one-year, $4 million deal in March, Mayfield has positioned himself for a possible long-term deal with the Bucs or perhaps another team impressed with the way he bounced back from less successful stints. with Cleveland, Carolina, and the Los Angeles Rams.
“For me, the simple fact of finding myself in a stable place, of being in my best version of what they have allowed me to do, means the world. The organization, the staff, our locker room – it’s a special place, I really appreciate it a lot,” Mayfield said.
Tom Brady led Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl win and three postseason appearances between 2020-22 before retiring in the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys last year.
However, head coach Todd Bowles not only saw Mayfield as a good fit for a new system being installed by first-year offensive coordinator Dave Canales, but for a clubhouse that was transformed from being one of the oldest in the NFL to one of the youngest since Brady left.
Star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin continue, as do defensive standouts Vita Vea, Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett, Devin White and Antoine Winfield Jr.
Mayfield has thrived on the contributions of young players like second-year running back Rachaad White, developing tight end Cade Otton, and defensive rookies Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby.
Mayfield’s start Monday night against the Eagles, who were on track to take the No. 1 seed before going 1-5 and finishing fifth, will be his first in the postseason since competing with the Browns in 2010.
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