“Important As A Measuring Stick For Confidence”
October 16th, 2025
How much do the Bucs believe in themselves?
Joe has to think confidence is sky high.
Tampa Bay has beaten four NFC teams that have winning records. That’s a huge reason the Bucs are 5-1 atop the conference.
Confidence comes from within, but Baker Mayfield seems to be a realist when it comes to big-picture confidence. Mayfield isn’t looking at the standings but knows what the Detroit Lions are and what they represent.
The Bucs play in Detroit on Monday night and how Tampa Bay plays will matter to their franchise quarterback.
“Each week is extremely important; don’t get me wrong,” Mayfield said. “But anytime you’re playing the teams that are always considered as playoff teams — the teams that are at the top of your conference — it’s important as a measuring stick for confidence. Also, how good we can execute and do the little things right against great teams — you do not have to go above and beyond, but you have to do your job and do it at a high level.”
Monday is a bit of a measuring stick. But Joe would say that’s equally true for both teams. The Lions are not the 15-win club they were a year ago, and the Bucs come in with a sizzling quarterback and the knowledge they can win at Bill Currie Ford Field.