In an unforeseen turn of events, the New Orleans Saints experienced a humbling defeat at their home base, falling short against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a final score of 26-9. This came as a surprise, particularly since the Saints were favored by 3.5 points entering the match.
Baker Mayfield, on the other hand, is capturing the NFL’s attention with his leadership. Boasting a 3-1 start for his team, it’s clear that he’s on fire this season. There were doubts and whispers, mostly harking back to his rookie year or the season where it seemed his arm just wasn’t in it. But today, with Mayfield embedded in an organization that supports him and surrounded by potent weapons at the wide receiver position, he is displaying tremendous value. A testament to his skills, Mayfield delivered 246 yards in the air, completing three touchdown passes. Yes, there was an interception, but let’s not forget his impressive QBR rating of 93.
Speaking of near-perfect performances, Josh Allen deserves a special mention. He played a commendable game, making decisions akin to Mayfield’s, proving his worth in the league. The two quarterbacks are indeed setting standards this season.
However, the same cannot be said for Derek Carr. Yesterday’s stats for Carr were far from impressive. With 23 completions out of 37 attempts, he gained only 127 yards. This amounted to a measly 3.4 yards per average attempt, clearly not up to par for a quarterback of his caliber. Many are left wondering if Carr was in the right condition to be playing.
While the Saints’ performance was a letdown for many fans, one must applaud the Buccaneers. Going into the dome and emerging with a victory is no mean feat. Their resilience and determination deserve acknowledgment.
This NFL season is already brimming with action, surprises, and stellar performances. As teams continue to jostle for dominance, it’s clear that the competition is fierce, and the excitement is just beginning.
