Acknowledged.
Offensive linemen like to stick up for quarterbacks. And that was the case for NFL Network’s Willie Colon.
The former Steelers and Jets guard co-hosted NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” earlier this week and when the four co-hosts had to give out game balls for this weekend’s play, Colon gave his game ball to Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.
While Mayfield didn’t have eye-popping numbers, shoot, they were pedestrian numbers as he only threw for 167 yards passing. Mayfield did lead the Bucs in rushing with 39 yards and he did throw three touchdown passes, two to Emeka Egbuka (including the game-winner) and Bucky Irving.
“My game ball goes to Baker “The Touchdown Maker” Mayfield,” Colon began. Sunday “was a grinder of a game. But you talk about two minutes to go, this guy was efficient, steady and ready to roll.
“I thought he led this Bucs offense right down the field. He was money-good, man.”
Colon noted that for some, Mayfield is still a lightning rod but clutch play like he has Sunday will shut up the haters.
“Baker takes a lot of criticism, but you talk about evolving into a true pro, I mean, he owns this division right now,” Colon said. “So I love Mayfield. I love what this offense looks like going forward for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
The way Emeka Egbuka played, Joe is trying not to drool if the Bucs can get both Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs back in the month of October.
If Godwin is anything close to what we know he can be, watch out, NFL!
Our Week 1 Game Balls go to… 👀
Manti Te'o 🏈 @chargers Justin Herbert@willcolon66 🏈 @Buccaneers @bakermayfield @JamieErdahl 🏈 @49ers @JakeTonges @KyleBrandt 🏈 @Colts Daniel Jones pic.twitter.com/1RA1r3zYbd
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 8, 2025