Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles acquired some criticism for leaving quarterback Baker Mayfield and different starters in what grew to become a blowout 30-7 win on the New York Giants on Sunday each earlier than and after Mayfield was evaluated for a stinger within the recreation‘s fourth quarter.
On Monday, Bowles defined his mindset relating to why he risked Mayfield’s well being after the competition’s end result had been determined.
“He wished to complete the sport,” Bowles mentioned, per the Buccaneers’ web site. “…We do not have a bunch of guys. We tried to complete the ballgame on offense. He was simply handing it off [on the play the signal-caller suffered the stinger]. You need your leaders in there to complete the ballgame. We have been attempting to get a primary down, so all people was on the market enjoying.”
In October, some analysts and followers ripped Bowles after large receiver Chris Godwin went down with a grotesque dislocated left ankle whereas enjoying late in a recreation that Tampa Bay misplaced by 10 factors. However, Bowles seemingly has no regrets about how he dealt with Mayfield at MetLife Stadium on Sunday although the Buccaneers entered the fourth quarter of that matchup holding a 30-0 lead.
“He can begin the sport and get harm, so there isn’t any preservation in soccer,” Bowles mentioned. “If we have been up 50-0 by the tip of the third quarter or one thing like that, yeah, you’d most likely take guys out.”
In opposition to the Giants, Mayfield accomplished 24-of-30 passes for 294 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He additionally rushed for a rating after which taunted the hosts when he carried out the celebration made well-known by Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito final season.
As of Monday afternoon, the NFL web site identified that 5-6 Tampa Bay has a 52 p.c likelihood to qualify for the playoffs. The Buccaneers can get again to .500 by notching a win on the 3-8 Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
On Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Tampa Bay as a six-point favourite for the sport held at Financial institution of America Stadium.
