Copyright Arkansas Online
TAMPA, Fla. -- Baker Mayfield replaced Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Drake Maye is giving fans in New England a reason for hope for the first time since Brady left. The two quarterbacks have even more in common. Both have played at MVP levels this season, and that's why their teams are in first place. Mayfield and the Buccaneers (6-2) host Maye and the Patriots (7-2) on Sunday in a battle between two of the NFL's top teams. "I love Drake, really good guy," Mayfield said. "But, just how he is playing, efficient. I think the down-the-field passing is something that he was really good at in college, and it is translating now. You can just tell he is getting comfortable. (The) game is slowing down for him, he is athletic. Although he is a big guy, he can take off and run. He is using all the attributes that he has." The four-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers were expected to be contenders, though they've had to overcome a slew of injuries. The Patriots have been one of the league's biggest surprises. Coming off consecutive 4-13 seasons, first-year Coach Mike Vrabel has quickly turned New England into a winner. The Patriots have a six-game winning streak. "What this game is like against a good team, good record, good quarterback, great defense," Maye said. "So it's a challenge and it feels like a game that (has) a little bit of extra to it. But, I think it's also an opponent we don't really know really well. NFC South, we don't see that often, but it's a chance for us to get another road victory. And it's always a great test for a great team." BACK FROM BYE The Buccaneers are coming off a much-needed week off that's helped players rest and heal, though several key starters still aren't expected to return for this game. Mayfield has been dealing with oblique and knee injuries. Right tackle Luke Goedeke (knee) is working his way back from injured reserve. Right guard Luke Haggard (shoulder) should return after missing two games. Running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) and edge rusher Haason Reddick (knee, ankle) still need more time. ROAD WARRIORS The Patriots have been at their best on the road. They've won all four of their games away from New England, including at Buffalo in early October. Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs said embracing what has garnered them that success on the road is imperative this week. "This is another test for us. That's a (darn) good football team," Diggs said. "Coach says 'road warriors.' It's really that. You've got to go into a hostile environment. We've got to protect the ball. And you've got to be yourself. Who you are has got to travel."
