Baker Mayfield makes it very clear he ‘hates’ | Sports News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield did not hesitate or disguise when reminded of his feedback about hating the New Orleans Saints. The 30-year-old was requested again whether or not he nonetheless hates the NFC South rival and was so sure that he cut off reporters early to get his level throughout.

The Buccaneers face the Saints on Sunday in a single of the NFL’s most bodily divisional rivalries. Mayfield is off the damage report and set to begin after restricted participation in follow this week as a result of of knee and indirect soreness.

Rookie vast receiver Emeka Egbuka can also be cleared to play after lacking time with a hamstring damage. Mike Evans remains out for the season following an awkward touchdown on an incomplete cross that concussed him.

When requested to elaborate on what fuels his dislike, Mayfield accused the Saints of taking part in a model of soccer that crosses the road. “It hasn’t exactly been ‘clean play’ from their part when we play them,” he said. “Physical sport, it is what it is, you count on it (from) a division rival. Not a lot else to say apart from the very fact I don’t like them.”

Historically, the Saints and Buccaneers have confronted one another 67 occasions, together with one postseason matchup, with New Orleans main the all-time sequence 40–27. Their final assembly closed out final season during Week 18, when Mayfield threw for 226 yards, helped Evans proceed his 1,000-yard streak, and led Tampa Bay over New Orleans 27–19.

He threw two touchdowns and one interception. Rookie operating back Mar’Keise Irving added 89 speeding yards and a landing, whereas Evans led the Buccaneers with 9 receptions for 89 yards.

Across his 5 profession video games in opposition to New Orleans, Mayfield has accomplished 104 of 158 passes for 1,271 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He owns a 97.3 profession passer ranking in opposition to the Saints and has thrown for at the very least 300 yards twice, together with a 325-yard, four-touchdown efficiency in October 2024.

The rivalry’s edge has additionally been fueled by post-whistle hits, personal fouls, fights, and more. During the 2022 season, Evans and then-Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s confrontation led to a full-on brawl that led to their enjections with offsetting personal fouls.

Their final matchup additionally noticed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Jalen McMillian after a finger gun celebration towards Saints followers within the zone. It resulted in a 15-yard penalty, however McMillan responded by catching a landing cross from Mayfield to seal the sport.

Both groups enter Sunday’s matchup combating to remain within attain within the NFC South standings. Tampa Bay has relied on Mayfield’s chemistry with Mike Evans to generate offense whereas the Saints proceed to regulate beneath first-year starter Spencer Rattler.