Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield savored his team's victory over the New York Jets, adding a personal layer of satisfaction to the win. Mayfield's celebratory comments revealed a deeper motivation beyond a simple team victory. He openly expressed his delight, highlighting the fact that the Jets' defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, was the same coach who had previously demoted him on the Carolina Panthers depth chart. This demotion, occurring under Wilks' tenure as interim head coach, came after Mayfield requested his release from the team. For a former number one overall draft pick, being relegated below P.J. Walker on the depth chart was arguably even more stinging than a simple release. Mayfield's candidness showcases his competitive fire and emotional investment in the game, a stark contrast to the often-calculated demeanor of other NFL quarterbacks. This raw emotion, far from being a liability, appears to be a key component of his success and drive. The victory marks Mayfield's third consecutive last-minute win in as many weeks, further solidifying his role as an unlikely, yet effective, successor to Tom Brady's legacy with the Buccaneers. While the future remains uncertain, Mayfield's performance and attitude suggest he could be poised to leave his mark on the Tampa Bay franchise.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/baker-mayfield-took-extra-pleasure-in-beating-jets-defensive-coordinator-steve-wilks
