Divisional matchups in the NFL are always highly anticipated, as they bring out a little extra fire and intensity on the field. This week, all eyes will be on the Superdome as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the New Orleans Saints in a highly anticipated Week 8 showdown. However, the build-up to this game has been made even more exciting with some fiery comments from Cleveland Browns quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
In a recent interview, Mayfield called out the Saints for their “dirty play” and accused them of intentionally trying to injure opponents. This statement has caused quite a stir in the NFL community, with many questioning Mayfield’s motives and whether he is just trying to stir up some drama before the game.
However, the Saints’ defensive captain, Kellen Moore, has responded to Mayfield’s accusations in a calm and composed manner. In an interview with EssentiallySports, Moore addressed Mayfield’s comments and declared that the Saints have nothing to prove to anyone.
Moore stated, “We don’t play dirty. We play hard and physical, but we never go out there with the intention of hurting anyone. We have built a reputation as a tough and physical team, and we take pride in that. We don’t need to resort to dirty tactics to win games.”
Moore’s response is a testament to the Saints’ character and the culture that head coach Sean Payton has built within the team. The Saints have always been known for their physicality and toughness on the field, but they have never been labeled as a dirty team. In fact, the Saints have consistently been one of the least penalized teams in the league, which further proves Moore’s point.
It is understandable that Mayfield wants to defend his team and speak out against what he perceives as dirty play. However, his comments have not gone down well with the Saints, and Moore’s response shows that they are not taking them lightly.
Moreover, Mayfield’s comments have only added fuel to the fire for this divisional matchup. The Saints will be even more motivated to prove Mayfield wrong and show the world that they are a clean and disciplined team.
This game will also see the return of Saints’ star quarterback, Drew Brees, who has been out with a thumb injury. Brees’ return will undoubtedly give a boost to the Saints’ offense, and they will be looking to put up a strong performance against the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, will be coming into this game with a chip on their shoulder after a disappointing loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. They will be looking to bounce back and make a statement against their division rivals.
With both teams hungry for a win, this game is sure to be a highly competitive and intense affair. And while Mayfield’s comments may have added some extra spice to the matchup, it will ultimately come down to who performs better on the field.
In conclusion, Mayfield’s comments have certainly added some extra fire to this divisional matchup, but the Saints have responded in a calm and composed manner. They have made it clear that they have nothing to prove to anyone and will let their play do the talking on the field. With both teams eager to come out on top, this game is sure to be a must-watch for all NFL fans.