Baker Mayfield is no stranger to leading an NFL team into his home state of Texas, but helping his squad secure a crucial playoff berth while playing close to his roots would be a new experience for the Tampa Bay quarterback.
The Buccaneers (8-6) are riding a four-game winning streak and currently sit atop the NFC South, aiming to maintain their lead against the struggling Dallas Cowboys (6-8) on Sunday night. The Cowboys, who are on the brink of playoff elimination, are facing a challenging season after losing star quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending hamstring injury midway through the season.
This matchup marks Mayfield’s second appearance at AT&T Stadium. His first was a thrilling 49-38 victory with the Cleveland Browns in front of a limited crowd during the pandemic four years ago. Reflecting on his memories from Texas, Mayfield noted his connections to the area, having played high school football in the Austin region and won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. “There’s a lot of memories that I have,” he said. “For me, it’s special.”
Mayfield’s journey has seen its ups and downs; he faced setbacks in Houston, including a loss as a rookie when the Browns struggled to contend for the playoffs. Last season, he led the Buccaneers to a division title after overcoming a mid-season slump, and they enter this game fresh off a decisive 40-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, who are also in playoff contention.
“We didn’t listen when we were losing. We’re not listening now that we’re winning,” said Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. “We have enough sarcastic coaches and players to keep everybody grounded and ready to work.”
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have clung to fleeting playoff hopes, winning three of their last four games despite numerous injuries. Coach Mike McCarthy, whose contract is set to expire, emphasized the importance of creating a strong team culture amid the turmoil. “We need to beat Tampa. Our job is to ensure the team is trained properly and that our guys are prepared to win,” he stated.
Cooper Rush will make his seventh start in place of Prescott, coming off a career-high three touchdown passes in a 30-14 win against Carolina. Rush’s first NFL start was also on a Sunday night, and he finds himself accustomed to the challenges of prime-time games. “I’ve been here a long time. I’m kinda used to the schedule of these late-night games,” he said.
The Buccaneers, having rebounded from a rough patch earlier in the season, are looking to build on their recent success. They have a strong record in December and January, going 8-1 in regular-season games during this period since 2023 and 20-5 since Tom Brady joined the team in 2020.
On the defensive side, Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons is on the verge of reaching double-digit sacks for the fourth consecutive season, despite missing four games with a high ankle sprain. Currently at 8.5 sacks, he aims to join an elite group of players who have achieved this milestone in their first four seasons. “For me, it’s just being resilient and proving people wrong,” Parsons said.
The Buccaneers’ rookie running back, Bucky Irving, leads all first-year players with 852 rushing yards while sharing duties with starter Rachaad White. Tampa Bay’s rookie class also includes key contributors like center Graham Barton, wide receiver Jalen McMillan, and safety Tykee Smith, highlighting the increasing expectation for immediate impact from young players in the league.
“The way the league is going right now, you don’t get the luxury of sitting players for a year or two,” Bowles noted. “If you’re drafting seven guys, at least four of them better be significant players right now.”
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