Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott Praises Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are scheduled to take on the Buffalo Bills in a Thursday night matchup with an opportunity to bounce back from a loss on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

In a tight NFC South race, the Buccaneers could really benefit from a win over the Bills in a primetime game. Buffalo, on the other hand, is playing for pride after taking a tough loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Ahead of the matchup, Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke about Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

“Enjoyed the time we spent with him [pre-draft in 2018],” McDermott said. “Obviously, went first overall and had a great career in college. Plays with a lot of energy and seems like a good leader.”

Leadership and energy perfectly encapsulates what Mayfield brings to the Buccaneers. His ability to lead this team is one thing, but the other is the capability to make the on-field plays to make this a winnable game for his team.

Mayfield will have to continue getting the ball to his playmakers while scrambling and keeping plays alive in this one. Establishing a run-game isn't on him, but keeping the safeties and defense honest will help the overall offensive game for the Buccaneers.

Given the level of defense the Buccaneers are capable of, this game could be within arm's reach and it'll be up to the former Heisman to make smart plays and complete drives down the field.

Time after time at Oklahoma in his college football days, Mayfield proved that he could do just that, and that isn't something that he's particularly lost since coming to the NFL.

McDermott believes that Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and his scheme highlights what Mayfield is able to provide to the team.

“I think you see Coach Bowles’ thumbprint on it,” McDermott said. “Defensive coach, try to control the game, manage the game, not turning the ball over, giving the other team short fields. I think you’re seeing that influence, and you’re seeing a good offensive line. And they’re staying on schedule.”

With nearly 1,400 passing yards on the season, Mayfield has been able to manage football games well and, when the defense is making crucial plays, he has been able to back them up. There have been a few duds, though, as the Buccaneers are 3-3, and Mayfield will have to prove he can have this offense playing consistently moving forward.

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

Add us as a preferred source on Google