Why Cam Newton Believes Buccaneers Can Compete for the Super Bowl

After a red-hot 5–1 start to the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have cooled down quite a bit, dropping three of their last four games. Despite the recent struggles, the Buccaneers still hold first place in the NFC South at 6–4. 

 While some are beginning to write the Buccaneers off as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton still believes this team has the potential to go all the way. 

ESPN’s Newton is a believer in Baker Mayfield. Newton said, “Each team that is a Super Bowl contender has one thing in common — a capable quarterback,” during an appearance on First Take on Thursday, November 20th.

Newton expanded on his point, saying, “He’s still performing at a high level with the opportunity he’s been given. Now, when you say ‘Super Bowl contenders,’ I’m putting Baker Mayfield in the position to say: can he compete with Philly, can he compete with Detroit, can he compete with the Los Angeles Rams, can he compete with Seattle? Yes — because of Baker Mayfield and what I’ve seen more times than not this year.”

Baker Mayfield’s MVP Hopes Still Alive

In the beginning of the season, Mayfield was one of the top candidates for the MVP award.  Since the Buccaneers recent losses, the Mayfield MVP buzz has died down.  It is important to note Tampa Bay has been without several key offensive players due to injuries: running back Bucky Irving has been out since Week 4, wide receiver Chris Godwin since Week 5, and Mike Evans since Week 7.

Despite those key injuries Mayfield has still been able to throw for 2,365 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through ten games heading into Week 12 of the NFL season.

Nick Shook of NFL.com has Mayfield placed at 4th overall in his QB rankings heading into Week 12 of the NFL season.  Only behind Matthew Stafford, Drake Maye, and Josh Allen.

“Baker Mayfield has proven he’s a streaky quarterback. That isn’t criticism — it’s simply an acknowledgement of reality. And in fairness to Baker, this season has been especially challenging for the signal-caller after losing his top weapons to injury. It would be nice if he could get Bucky Irving or Chris Godwin back soon”, wrote Shook.

With the Buccaneers taking on the 8–2 Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, if Mayfield can carry the team to an impressive victory, there’s still an outside chance he could make a run for MVP, with plenty of regular-season football left to play.

Why This Sunday Matters

The Buccaneers enter this week desperate for a win. At 6–4, a victory on Sunday night is crucial for both confidence and playoff positioning.  First off, a win against a top team in the league would be a great confidence booster for Tampa Bay, but the division lead is also on the line, with the Carolina Panthers going into Week 12 at 6-5.  With a Carolina win and Tampa Bay loss this Sunday, the Buccaneers would all the sudden be on the outside looking in for the NFC South division title.

If the Buccaneers leave Los Angeles with a win, that could be the victory this team has been searching for these past few weeks to turn this season back around in their favor.

 

 

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