Statistically, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (2,192 yards, 16 TDs, 2 INTs) and Buffalo Bills‘ Josh Allen (2,139 yards, 15 TDs, 5 INTs) sit within a hair of one another through the first 10 games of the NFL season.
With matching 6–3 records, both signal-callers are also leading squads projected to make the playoffs and vie for a Super Bowl.
That naturally leads to the question: which quarterback is the more entertaining to watch?
Former NFL linebacker and media personality Manti Te'o made his stance clear on Thursday’s episode of “Good Morning Football,” boldly opting to go with the Bucs QB over the 2024 NFL MVP.
“It’s Baker Mayfield for me. I think he’s a better watch, whether he’s behind the microphone or behind the center. I think what he’s been able to do, the scrambles that he’s been able to make, it doesn’t matter who is at receiver because there are times where his best receivers aren’t out there yet, and he’s still finding ways to win the game.”
“So, if I had to compare these two guys, I gotta go with Baker… Those who play the quarterback position sometimes feel the pressure to fit this golden boy mold, this ‘do right, be right, and act right thing.’ Baker Mayfield doesn’t do that. Baker Mayfield is raw. He’s unapologetic. He’s genuine. And I just love everything that he stands for,” Te’o added.
Low turnovers, key scrambles, and late-game heroics have marked Mayfield's season, as the Buccaneers lean on his improvisational skills to keep drives alive.
Allen stands out as the more imposing athlete, with 311 rushing yards to Mayfield's 158 and a higher passing average (8.1 vs. 7.0).
Still, his turnovers and the Bills' inconsistency this season (recently lost 30-13 to Miami) have drawn more scrutiny than he's used to.
Beyond the talk, Mayfield's season exemplifies the current quarterback standard: producing results from chaos and captivating audiences.
Te’o’s point is this: while Allen's upside and postseason track record may remain superior, Mayfield's form makes him a credible leader and a valuable draw for Tampa Bay's brand.
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