TAMPA, Fla. – With only two wins and already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, you’d think the Las Vegas Raiders would be just packing it in. Not so. The Raiders took the Chiefs to the end before losing on Black Friday and are still playing hard for first year head coach Antonio Pierce.
The Bucs do have a shot at the post season and quarterback Baker Mayfield says their mind set right now is that every game is like a playoff game for them.
“Our mentality right now is that we’re in playoff mode,” Mayfield said. “We have to win out to get in and just see what happens.”
Raiders Young QB Aiden O’Connell had his best game as a pro last week against the
Chiefs. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles is impressed with O’Connell.
“He (O’Connell) goes through his progression reads very well.” Bowles said. “He’s a very smart quarterback. He’s a very tough quarterback. He can see pressure coming. He knows when to get rid of the ball.”
The one thing the Bucs defense has to clear up is allowing opposing receivers to get open over the middle of the field. It’s plagued Tampa Bay all season. The Raiders have a stud in tight end Brock Bowers, who’s been giving all NFL defenses they’ve played problems.
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“It’s about us taking care of us and doing the little things right and being where we’re supposed to be,” Bowles said. “He’s (Bowers) a tough cover regardless. We’ve just got to try and contain him. We just can’t let him get the YAC (yards after catch) yards or the big plays.”
Ironically, the last time the Raiders faced Mayfield was Week 14, 2022, when he was on the Rams. Mayfield had limited practice time that week but managed to throw a game-winning touchdown to beat the Raiders 17-16. Mayfield says that doesn’t mean anything now; it’s just game by game to focus on the little things and give themselves a shot at playing in the postseason.
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