Baker Mayfield is well known for his confidence, trash talk, and ability to get inside the heads of opposing defenses. But ahead of the upcoming divisional clash, the New Orleans Saints made it clear they won’t be playing along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passer.
Mayfield had suggested the Saints had been rough when matching up against the Bucs: “It has not exactly been clean play from their part when we play them,” Mayfield said. “It is a physical game; it is what it is. You expect it [from a] division rival”
He then talked about the rival coach Kellen Moore saying: “Not much else to say besides for the fact that I do not like them.”
Reacting to the Tampa Bay star’s words, veteran linebacker Demario Davis rejected the idea that words before kickoff carry any weight.
“Ain’t no words need to be said. And so we’ll get to the game on Sunday and play. I don’t think words will do anything for me or for him or anybody else,” Davis said.
“I love trash talk. But trash talk ain’t going to do nothing, for nobody before the game. It’s only going to do something for you in the game.”
His message was clear – talk all you want, but the real statement will come on the field.
Saints meet trash talk with focus
For Davis, this isn’t about getting drawn into a verbal war. It’s about discipline, leadership, and setting the tone for the Saints defense.
Over the years, Mayfield has built a reputation for using energy and emotion as weapons, often thriving in chaotic, fiery matchups. But this time, the response isn’t more noise – it’s composure.
This measured stance mirrors what has made Davis one of the most respected veterans in the league. Instead of countering with verbal jabs, he’s framing the matchup on his terms. In a game already charged with rivalry energy, the Saints are signaling they’ll let their play speak first.
The Saints have long prided themselves on a defense led by veterans who refuse to get baited. Davis, a captain and emotional anchor, embodies that approach.
His comments make it clear that they have no interest in turning this into a shouting match. Instead, their focus is on execution, not chatter.
Mayfield may need to dig deep without war of words
The Bucs lost out 24-9 to the Detroit Lions last time and will be looking for any edge to get back to winning ways. So to see his tactic backfire may prove to be a blow for Mayfield.
He looked shot of confidence when he was last on the field, completing only 28 of 50 attempted passes as the Bucs scored just one touchdown.
For Mayfield, whose personality often thrives in back-and-forth verbal battles, this could be a psychological setback. Without a willing dance partner in the war of words, the quarterback may have to rely entirely on his performance – something the Saints defense is preparing to challenge.
This is a defense that thrives on physicality, preparation, and precision. And in Davis, they have a leader whose approach underlines that philosophy.
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