It won't come as a surprise to Philadelphia Eagles fans that Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield is talking long before the game kicks off. The quarterback's intensity and smack-talking nature drives him and are clearly already in play heading into a matchup of undefeated teams on Sunday. Mayfield is currently focusing on building up Tampa's home-field advantage while speaking with Mark Sanchez on the Rearview podcast.
""We’ll have a good game plan, obviously, to try and tire these guys out, Advantage for us, we’re in Tampa; the heat. They’re not used to that. I know there’s already been the stories that broke about them coming down to Tampa a day early. I don’t necessarily think that helps them. One day doesn’t get you acclimated to this humidity. I think, honestly, it makes them think about it more when they get down here earlier.""Baker Mayfield
This is an obvious attempt at mind games with a franchise that has every reason to have its full focus on a Tampa team that pulled off an improbable upset last season. Only the Falcons and Bucs beat a healthy Eagles team last season, and both of these losses were early in the season. Giving Philly every reason to have its full focus on a quarterback who would've been wise to keep this sentiment to himself.
Eagles Roster Should Take Note of Baker Mayfield's Sad Attempt at Playing Mind Games
Mayfield starts his quote by talking about the obvious plan of attempting to tire out the Philly defenders and finishes by espousing an opinion on why traveling to Tampa a day early hurts Philly more than it helps. Both of these sentiments are misplaced for a banged-up roster that honestly has no chance of beating a focused Eagles group.
Yes, playing in the heat is uncomfortable with a high expected around 90°F on Sunday. This does prevent a slight challenge for a cooler climate team, but more importantly, the Eagles simply have a far better roster. Tampa Bay's offensive line is falling apart, and injuries at the skill positions have limited what Mayfield can do offensively.
All of this adds up to a resounding Philly win, no matter how hot it might be. To put it simply, this is a sad attempt at playing mind games for a quarterback who knows he is at a distinct disadvantage in Sunday's matchup. In some ways, there is no reason to blame the attempt to gain even a slight mental advantage.
This edge and level of intensity is a piece of what has allowed the quarterback to carve out an impressive career with the Bucs. The chip on his shoulder attitude that Mayfield carries isn't going to change, no matter who the signal caller is matched up against.
While this is obviously a failed attempt to get into the head of the league's best team, there is nothing wrong with the try. It simply serves as even more motivation for the Eagles to continue their long-standing win streak in Sunday's marquee matchup.