Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has had Sunday’s game circled since the schedule dropped, and honestly, who can blame him? Tampa Bay is hosting the Cleveland Browns, the very team that picked him first overall back in 2018. This isn’t just another regular season matchup, not for Mayfield, not with all that history.
From First Pick to Ugly Exit
It’s no secret how things ended in Cleveland for Baker. His departure was straight-up ugly, with the team bringing in Deshaun Watson to replace him after a tough, injury-plagued 2021 season. But here’s the kicker: when asked about his time there, Mayfield kept it surprisingly positive. He dropped this gem: “Ultimately, you remember the good more so than the bad.” And you know what? He’s got a point. He delivered Cleveland’s first playoff win since ’94 in 2020, a blowout wild card victory on the road against the division-rival Steelers. That’s a memory you don’t forget, no matter how things ended.
Chip on the Shoulder? Maybe Just Focus
Mayfield even said he made “a lot of good memories there,” and that many teammates are “friends for life.” Still, he knows “it’s a very different building now” in Cleveland, with a whole new coaching staff. We all know Baker, right? He plays with his emotions right there on his sleeve, a literal chip on his shoulder. It’s part of what makes him must-watch TV. But he’s trying to keep that fire controlled for this game, focusing on making sure he gets the little things right, trying to combat any “ill effects” from those intense emotions.
So, Sunday isn’t just another game. It’s a reunion, a chance for Baker to stand across from his past. Will the good memories fuel him, or will the ugly exit add that extra edge? You better believe we’ll be watching to see how that plays out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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