The Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams matchup will feature two of the top teams in the NFC, as well as two of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
Baker Mayfield Vs. Matthew Stafford Could Be Exciting
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will have to keep pace with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who’s having an incredible season and putting up MVP numbers. Although Mayfield is having an admirable season, his 17 touchdowns and three interceptions pale in comparison to Stafford’s output. Stafford leads the NFL with 27 passing touchdowns and has thrown just two interceptions
Mayfield’s Respect For Stafford
Mayfield talked about the major respect he has for Stafford when asked about him this week.
“He can do everything. He’s always been able to make every throw. As long as he was in Detroit, he didn’t get a whole lot of credit for really good he was, and you’re seeing that now. To me, he’s always been a top three of five QB in the league and one of the best, if not the best, pure passer ever in the history of the NFL. The way it comes off of his hand, the way he can change his arm angles. Obviously, the no look passes started with him. He can do it all.”
Where Matthew Stafford Ranks All-Time
Mayfield’s assessment that Stafford is one of the greats is more fact than fiction. Stafford currently ranks No. 9 in NFL history in both passing yards (62,366) and passing touchdowns (404) and No. 6 in passing yards per game (268.8).
Mayfield’s Memories Of Stafford As A Teammate
Mayfield and Stafford were teammates in 2023 with the Rams and Mayfield started four games that season when Stafford was sidelined with a spinal injury. Mayfield is fond of his time with Stafford and the Rams and developed a further appreciation for how Stafford goes about his craft.
“I think I gained an even more level of respect for him about communication, about how he wanted certain routes, certain schemes to be done,” Mayfield said. “When you’re at that level, that year, I guess, in your career, you kind of run the ship. Just had a lot of respect for him before but seeing it in person on how detailed he really was in exactly what he was going to try and check to, that was big seeing it in person.”
Stafford Thinks Highly Of Mayfield
Stafford was complimentary of Mayfield when asked about the Bucs quarterback. Stafford said that he’s “always pulling for him to have success.”
“A great human being. Played some golf with him in the off-season. Really enjoyed being around him,” Stafford said. “You can tell why his teammates love being around him. He’s just a great guy and obviously a heck of a football player.”
Beyond the stats and highlights, this game will be a showcase of two players who respect each other’s craft. Mayfield and Stafford’s mutual admiration adds an intriguing subplot to the Buccaneers-Rams matchup. Figurative fireworks are bound to ensue.