The Buccaneers-Ravens clash in Week Seven will be a historic night at the quarterback position with the Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield and the Ravens' Lamar Jackson going head-to-head at Raymond James Stadium. The game will be the 12th time since 1970 that a reigning NFL MVP quarterback (Jackson) has faced the current NFL passing touchdown leader (Mayfield) in Week Seven or later. Mayfield and Jackson won back-to-back Heisman Trophies in 2016 and 2017, with Jackson finishing first in Heisman voting in 2016 (at Louisville) and Mayfield finishing first in 2017 (at Oklahoma). Both were selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield was taken with the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns and Jackson was selected with the 32nd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens.
Entering Week Seven, Mayfield has the highest passer rating by a Tampa Bay quarterback through six games of any quarterback who has started at least five of the team's first six games (109.4). Since his arrival in 2023, Mayfield ranks third in the NFL in passing touchdowns (43). Mayfield's 15 touchdown passes are the second most by a Bucs' quarterback from Weeks 1-6 in franchise history, trailing only Tom Brady (17) in 2021. His four touchdowns against the Saints in Week Six are tied for the second-most in a single game in his career, and tied for the most in a single game as a member of the Buccaneers.
In 2023, Mayfield won the starting signal-caller duties and reached new heights, reinvigorating his career in Tampa Bay. With command of the unit in 2024, Mayfield's developed footwork and decision-making has led to his ascension.
"His understanding of why we are calling certain things and Baker having a pre- and post-snap plan before the ball is snapped has helped us flourish as an offense this year," said Quarterbacks Coach Thad Lewis.
With his patented moxie, tough disposition, quick processing and improvisation skills when he breaks contain, Mayfield has ignited the Bucs' offense. He is adept at exploiting two-high shell coverage by attacking the underneath area of the field and at executing tight window throws. Mayfield plays light on his feet and is effective at touch passes downfield. With a feel for timing and trajectory, Mayfield sets up his weapons to generate yards-after-catch. He is playing the best football of his career and has energized Tampa Bay's offense. Mayfield can layer the football to all three levels of the field and opens up the offensive playbook with his mobility.
For the Ravens, Jackson is a frontrunner in the MVP conversation. He has clicked since Baltimore's 0-2 start and in four straight wins, he is fourth in completion percentage (70.3%), third in QBR (76.1), second in yards per dropback (9.1) and he has thrown eight touchdowns to one interception. In addition, he has rushed for 236 yards – the most among quarterbacks.
"It amazes me when you get to watch some of these guys on tape," noted Mayfield. "Lamar, Jayden [Daniels], Josh [Allen], the things they can do, extending plays, just the vision that they have, that's a God-given gift that they have. I'll do what I can but it's not to that level."
Jackson can change direction on a dime. There are not many quarterbacks in the NFL that can spin out of a blindside block, but he manages to make a play after evading pressure with highlight-reel moves. With an understanding of angles and leverage while on the move, Jackson is hard to bring down, keeping defensive coordinators up at night. His accuracy has developed, and Jackson can beat teams with his arm, as well. The dynamic specimen routinely makes something out of nothing on the gridiron and thrills with stunning cuts on the move.
Monday Night Football is sure to provide a spectacular quarterback showing as Mayfield and Jackson take the field at Raymond James Stadium.
