Mayfield Stokes Bucs-Saints Tensions After Loss

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 24-9 to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Week 7, a game that saw Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans suffer a collarbone injury that could sideline him for months. Baker Mayfield voiced frustration over questionable calls during the game and was seen limping afterward, leaving his own injury status unclear. Mayfield has since stoked tensions with division rival New Orleans, saying he expects “not exactly clean” physical play and that he doesn’t like the Saints ahead of Sunday’s game at the Superdome. Saints coach Kellen Moore downplayed the dust-up, calling the matchup a “phenomenal rivalry” and praising Mayfield’s play. The remarks were amplified by memories of past physical incidents between the clubs, even as opponents like Jared Goff publicly expressed respect for Mayfield.