Baker Mayfield Scrambling
After several games without a rushing attempt for Baker Mayfield and a Detroit game in which the Lions placed a spy on Mayfield near the line of scrimmage, the Bucs' signal-caller was back to his old tricks against the Buffalo Bills. Health played a factor in the uptick of runs for Mayfield, including a couple of design runs and a heavy dose of zone reads. Known for his patented 'moxie,' Mayfield puts it all on the field, plowing through defenders or stiff-arming the opposition into oblivion to create additional yardage on third down. He possesses the mobility element to elude sacks, escape pressure and extend plays, throwing well off-platform.
"He's definitely feeling better coming off the Bye and having a couple weeks to really get healthy there," said Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard. "A couple of those were the first really ones of the year where it was designed to potentially run it. So, he's definitely a threat with the ball in his hands. Again, we don't want him scrambling all the time on some of the third downs, but if he gets the first down, then that's exactly what we want out of the play. For him to be able to do that – and it really puts pressure on the defense to an extent, too – where some of these teams that just try to tackle the ball-carrier on some of the zone reads, it really makes them play it honest. They don't know exactly, are you handing it or pulling it? So, it should put a little pressure on them as well."
Matthew Stafford Arm Talent
Rams' Matthew Stafford is at the top of NFL leaderboards in several categories, including passer rating (112.7, third in the NFL) and passing touchdowns (27, first in the NFL). His touchdown to interception ratio in 2025 is an absurd 27-2. Stafford can make any throw from any angle and manipulates coverage as good as any quarterback who has played the game. He stretches the field vertically and the football goes where he wants it to go with velocity and consistency. He pioneered the no-look pass and has sensational touch on the football, fitting the ball to receivers where defensive backs do not have a chance. On Sunday in prime-time, the Bucs' secondary will have to stay disciplined in coverage and remain technically-sound.
"Yeah, I grew up watching him a lot," said Bucs' cornerback Jacob Parrish. "He has an elite arm talent. He trusts his arm a lot and he does those no-look passes. He's a great quarterback and I am ready for the challenge."
Cornerback Rotation?
If cornerback Jamel Dean is unable to suit up on Sunday with a hip injury, there could be a rotation between Bucs' second-round pick Benjamin Morrison and third-round selection Jacob Parrish. The latter has primarily been utilized in the slot and has made his presence felt in 2025. He secured his first interception on the year against Josh Allen and nabbed two tackles for loss on Sunday in Week 11. Parrish now has seven on the season, which is the second-most by any NFL defensive back in 2025.
His seven tackles for loss are also tied for the most among all rookies at any position. Due to his size, many pundits made the assumption post-draft that Parrish would slide inside but Head Coach Todd Bowles was emphatic on his ability to hold his own on the outside. As a two-year starter at Kansas State, Parrish served as the left cornerback in their man/zone scheme and he moved to nickel on third down packages. He led the team in passes defensed as a sophomore and junior, and those skills have translated to the pro level. Parrish pairs quick feet in transition and shows a competitive disposition in run support and in coverage. He has outstanding change-of-direction skills and twitchy speed. His footwork at the top of routes will be tested on Sunday in matchups with Davante Adams.
"We'll play a couple guys there," noted Bowles. "Parrish is definitely a consideration, [Benjamin] Morrison has been practicing as well, and we'll practice them both and kind of go from there. Dean is a little nicked up right now – if he doesn't make any progress, there's a good chance he might not be in there."
