Long before they shared NFL fields, Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield first crossed paths in an ultra-competitive Oklahoma quarterbacks room. Their fiery drive propelled them to historic heights as back-to-back Heisman winners and No. 1 overall draft picks.
"That's my guy. I got to see him every day in college, so I respect the hell out of Baker and what he's been through and what type of player he is and person he is," Murray told Twin Cities media on Thursday. "We competed every day. I mean, you wouldn't imagine the amount of time we spent together. … Anything we were doing, we were talking trash to each other, competing. And after practice, we'd ride home together, and it was all great."
On Sunday, the pair will reunite when Murray and the Vikings (2-0) visit Mayfield and the Buccaneers (0-2) at 3:05 p.m. (CT).
Mayfield has encountered heavy turbulence behind his offensive line to start the year. Despite facing a blitz rate of only 21.1%, he has been pressured on 40.3% of his dropbacks, taking seven sacks and totaling a -20.1 EPA on those plays, according to NFL Media Research. That has fueled a minus-four turnover margin (tied for the second worst in the NFL) for the Bucs, whose five giveaways have resulted in 27 opposing points, with only Atlanta's (28 points) being higher. A bright spot for Mayfield specifically is he has only one incompletion (11-of-12) with a touchdown and a passer rating of 125.0 against the blitz this season.
Facing Minnesota Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores' scheme represents an even steeper challenge, though. Per Pro Football Focus, the Vikings have blitzed on a league-high 79.3% of their snaps through two games (Carolina has the next highest mark at 53.2%, followed by Tampa Bay in third at 48.6%). Minnesota has racked up eight sacks and four takeaways; the plus-four turnover margin is a league best, with the Vikings scoring 14 points off turnovers (tied for fifth) while only allowing three from their opponents.
For Murray, Sunday marks his return after exiting the Week 1 opener with a concussion after 11 snaps and sitting out of last weekend's victory at Chicago. Historically, Murray holds a 3-0 career advantage over Mayfield in their NFL head-to-head matchups (winning in 2019, 2021, and 2022).
Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Look back at photos over the course of time featuring games between the Vikings and the Buccaneers.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium
2020 at Raymond James Stadium
2020 at Raymond James Stadium
2020 at Raymond James Stadium
2020 at Raymond James Stadium
Source: www.vikings.com — Read the original article
Leave a Comment