Atlanta Falcons' Ryan Nielsen Reveals How Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Challenges Defense
When Atlanta Falcons fans forecasted their team as contenders in the NFC South, they likely didn’t do so with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in mind.
Tampa Bay currently sits in first place with a 3-2 record, half-game ahead of Atlanta. On Sunday, the Falcons will visit the Buccaneers and attempt to take sole possession of the division.
Part of what has made their rival viable has been the ascendance of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Perhaps this is just a favorable step in the circular path of his play, performing well just long enough for the hype to catch up. Regardless, he poses a challenge to a strong Atlanta defense.
Mayfield throws a pass as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, 2022.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen spoke about the challenges Mayfield presents in Week 7.
“Man, he’s a tough sack,” Nielsen said. “The guy has done a great job moving around the pocket, staying alive. He’s a great play-extender. I think they’ve done a really good job. He knows where to go with the ball. He’s been very decisive.”
He’s been sacked just five times in as many games. During that span, he completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,088 yards and seven touchdowns to just three interceptions. In limiting hits and picks, he’s kept the Buccaneers offense on the field and avoided disaster.
Part of his resurgence has been redefining his role. No longer does he have to be a franchise quarterback bearing the burden of a franchise’s ambitions. He just has to do enough. With star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin by his side, he’s been able to manage games effectively.
“It really helps when you have a good receiving corps that gets open,” Nielsen said. “Those guys – have played against them for a long time – they’re fantastic players. Baker has done a really good job in their system … Particularly in the red zone, he’s done a really nice job extending plays, letting those guys get open, finding them.”
The offense hasn’t been incredible, but led by defensive head coach Todd Bowles, it has been entirely adequate. Step one in fielding a competitive football team is avoiding disaster at the quarterback position. Through six weeks, it is clear the Buccaneers can check that box.
In Week 7, Atlanta’s defense—which ranks fifth in success rate—will have their work cut out for them.
“This is as good as I’ve seen him play,” Nielsen said. “It’s very impressive what they’ve done with him.”
