Saints Star Respond as Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield Hints at “Dirty Play” Ahead of Week 8 Clash
The tension between NFC South rivals is heating up. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield raised eyebrows this week after hinting that the New Orleans Saints often play “dirty” in their matchups — comments that didn’t sit well in the Saints’ locker room.
Mayfield Fires the First Shot
The Buccaneers are coming off their worst loss of the season, a 24–9 defeat to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. To make matters worse, star wide receiver Mike Evans, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, is now expected to miss most of the season with a broken collarbone.
Without his top target, Mayfield will now have to rely heavily on rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, getting back to the level of play he showed earlier this season when Evans was sidelined. During Weeks 3–6, Mayfield looked like a dark-horse MVP candidate — ranking sixth in passing yards (1,767) and touchdowns (13) with just two interceptions.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s Week 8 matchup with the Saints, Mayfield warned that the game would be “physical,” while taking a jab at New Orleans’ style of play.
“It has not exactly been clean play from their part when we play them,” Mayfield said to NFL.com’s Nick Shook on Wednesday. “It is a physical game; it is what it is. You expect it from a division rival... Yeah, not much else to say besides the fact that I do not like them.”
Kamara Claps Back: “Empty Words Mean Nothing to Us”
Saints running back Alvin Kamara didn’t hold back when asked about Mayfield’s comments. The veteran leader brushed off the talk, making it clear that the Saints aren’t interested in off-field drama — only results.
“Empty words mean nothing to us,” Kamara said after Thursday’s practice. “We’ve heard it all before. Trash talk doesn’t win games — effort and execution do. We’re focused, we’re locked in, and we’ll let our pads do the talking on Sunday.”
“Baker can say whatever he wants, but it won’t shake our determination,” he added. “We’re coming in hungry, disciplined, and ready to prove that Saints football speaks louder than words.”
Buccaneers Counting on Mayfield and Egbuka
With Evans out “most of the season,” Tampa Bay’s offense will run through Emeka Egbuka, their No. 19 overall draft pick. The rookie has already flashed star potential, posting two 100+ yard games and multiple touchdowns this season.
The Saints defense — currently ranked 19th in the NFL (allowing 335.7 yards per game) — remains the team’s strongest unit, while their offense sits 24th overall (279.9 yards per game). The Buccaneers’ game plan could shift toward a heavier run focus, especially against a Saints pass defense ranked 12th (206.3 yards per game).
Running back Rachaad White, who has 252 yards on 64 carries, is expected to be a key factor — particularly with Bucky Irving ruled out due to shoulder and foot injuries.
A Rivalry Renewed
Sunday’s clash at Caesars Superdome promises to be one of the most intense divisional battles of the year. The Saints (1–6) may be down in the standings, but Kamara’s words made one thing clear: they’re not backing down.
“We respect every opponent,” Kamara said, “but respect doesn’t mean fear. When we step on that field, we’re coming to hit, to score, and to win. That’s Saints football.”
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