New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the second half of the game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. Tampa Bay beat New Orleans 26-9. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune)
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
“I hate the Saints, absolutely not, no,” Mayfield said. “We were making the playoffs. It’s a situation where you take a knee, go to the playoffs. But we decided to throw it on first and 10 just to get Mike the 1,000 yards.”
Asked about that comment by Tampa’s media corps this week, Mayfield doubled down, suggesting the Saints played dirty against the Buccaneers.
“It hasn’t exactly been clean play from their part when we play them,” [Mayfield said.](https://x.com/JennaLaineESPN/status/1981054881453453617) “It’s a physical game, it is what it is. You expect it, division rival. Not much else to say besides the fact that I don’t like them.”
Mayfield has produced at an MVP level for Tampa Bay this season, throwing for 13 touchdowns against just two interceptions while leading the Buccaneers to a 5-2 record. He’s had the Saints’ number since signing with the Buccaneers before the 2023 season, going 3-1 against them.