Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield wants to go scorched earth on the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 in a game he's had circled on his calendar since the NFL schedule was released.
Not only is he motivated to show up his former team at his new home stadium, but he’s also looking to redeem himself after a frustrating three-turnover performance in the season opener.
Mayfield plays his best football with a chip on his shoulder, and Sunday has all the makings of a big day for the Buccaneers quarterback. There’s just one problem: Mother Nature could have something to say about it. The forecast is calling for storms that could quite literally rain on Mayfield’s parade in his revenge game against the Browns.
Forecast calls for heavy rain ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener against the Cleveland Browns
There is currently a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
The Buccaneers are no strangers to wet conditions during their home games. And while all that truly matters is a victory, it’s a bummer that the weather could force the Bucs to implement a game plan that takes the ball out of Mayfield’s hands.
In slippery, wet conditions, it’s harder to operate in the passing game, and teams naturally tend to go run-heavy and emphasize ball control. The Buccaneers will likely funnel the offense through running backs Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell, and Mayfield might not get the opportunity he expected to light up the stat sheet against the Browns.
This wouldn’t be the first time rain has put a damper on a highly anticipated showdown between a Buccaneers quarterback and his former team.
Brady is victorious in his return. #TheReturn @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/3edpSeTJIW
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2021
In 2021, Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium for the first time as an opponent, facing the New England Patriots in one of the most anticipated games in recent memory. Knowing Brady, he would have loved to put on a show against his former team, but rainy conditions contributed to a defensive slugfest. Still, the game had a storybook ending as Brady notched the 50th game-winning drive of his career in a 19-17 win and broke the all-time passing yards record in the process.
Knowing how competitive Mayfield is, all he cares about is coming away with a victory. The Buccaneers are 0-1, and Sunday’s game is more about getting the team back in the win column than it is for Mayfield to sort out his grievances with Cleveland.
If the Buccaneers emerge victorious and send the Browns home 0-2, that’s the best possible revenge Mayfield could ask for. He doesn’t need to light up the stat sheet against his former team for Sunday to be a success. A win would be more than enough — even if the rain forces him to take a back seat to the running game.
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