The battle of backup quarterbacks turned spicy in the Meadowlands on Sunday, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ journeyman Baker Mayfield channeled his inner acrobat for a highlight-reel touchdown scramble against the New York Giants. But Mayfield wasn’t content to let his play do the talking, mockingly imitating Giants’ starter Tommy DeVito’s signature celebration as a final flourish.
Mayfield’s Acrobatic Antics Spark Bucs
With the Bucs already leading 16-0 late in the first half, Mayfield saw daylight up the middle on a designed pass play. The nimble QB took off, hurdling Giants defender Cor’Dale Flott at the goal line for a diving 10-yard touchdown that extended Tampa Bay’s lead to 23-0 heading into halftime.
Not content to let the electrifying play speak for itself, Mayfield bounced up and imitated DeVito’s signature celebration, raising his arms and pinching his fingers to the sky, a nod to the Giants’ starter’s Italian heritage. Mayfield’s Bucs teammates joined in the trolling on the sideline, as Tampa Bay headed to the locker room with all the momentum.
Baker was fired up out there. That’s the juice he brings, getting guys excited with his playmaking and personality. He wanted to send a message on that one, for sure.
— A Bucs team source on Mayfield’s celebration
Mayfield Crisp in Bucs Debut
Mayfield, making his first start for Tampa Bay after being signed off the Rams’ practice squad earlier this season, was surgical in the first half, completing 19-of-23 passes for 230 yards while accounting for three total TDs. In addition to his scramble score, the former No. 1 overall pick hit paydirt with both Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker on the ground.
- 19/23 passing, 230 yards
- 10-yard rushing TD
- Led 3 TD drives in first half
It was a pristine beginning for Mayfield in pewter, as Tampa Bay is auditioning the 29-year-old to see if he can stabilize the position long-term after Tom Brady’s offseason departure. If the first 30 minutes was any indication, head coach Todd Bowles has found his man.
Giants Release Jones, Turn to DeVito
The Giants, meanwhile, are taking their own leap of faith at the game’s most important position after surprisingly releasing former first-rounder Daniel Jones earlier in the week. DeVito, an undrafted rookie from Princeton, got the nod in his stead against a rugged Bucs defense.
The results were predictably uneven, as DeVito went just 6-of-14 passing for 47 yards while being sacked three times in the opening half. The Ivy Leaguer looked overmatched against Tampa’s talent-laden defense, which harassed and confused the poised but inexperienced signal-caller.
Mayfield-DeVito Rivalry Blossoming?
Though they’ve taken vastly different paths, Mayfield and DeVito find themselves in the same spot – trying to prove they belong as starting quarterbacks in a league that is quick to chew up and spit out players at their position. If Mayfield’s mocking celebration is any indication, there may be no love lost between these two as they battle to resurrect their respective franchises.
The Bucs and Giants entered Week 12 just outside of NFC playoff position, desperate for a win to keep their slim postseason hopes alive. With Mayfield dealing and Tampa’s defense dominating, the Bucs appear well-positioned for a season-altering victory. How DeVito and Big Blue respond out of the break may determine their fate – and their young quarterback’s future.
