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Bucs RB Gainwell Endorses QB Mayfield Amidst Quiet Return
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- Bucs RB Gainwell Endorses QB Mayfield Amidst Quiet Return
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rushing attack has thrust the team back into the NFC South playoff race, trailing the division-leading Carolina Panthers by just half a game.
On Sunday, in Tampa Bay's 16-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons , starting quarterback Baker Mayfield played his second game since returning from injury, finishing the outing without a completion.
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It was the first time in more than 50 years that a team seized a victory without catching a pass, and shows the Bucs' ability to dictate the line of scrimmage and move people up front.
Both Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell posted career-high days on the ground, while becoming the first duo to run for 125 or more yards on 25 or more carries each in the history of the NFL.
Following the win, Gainwell talked about the energy Mayfield had despite being limited in the passing game.
"You wanna go to battle with somebody that's willing to do that," Gainwell said on Good Morning Football.
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While Mayfield didn't contribute how he normally does, he continued to play with an intent level at the line of scrimmage, even serving as a lead blocker on Gainwell's biggest run of the day.
Mayfield went viral following the game for his blocking interaction with Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, where he drove the secondary player off the screen to help Gainwell break free.
Gainwell said he saw Mayfield waving to him, and telling his running back to follow his block, but only caught the tail end of the scrum.
Heading into the back-half of the season, having Gainwell producing at this level is extremely promising for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
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During his time with the Falcons, Robinson frequently employed two-back looks with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, allowing both backs to use each other and get out in the passing game.
This has been the theme again with Tampa Bay, as Gainwell has filled in nicely alongside the lead back Irving.
The growing connection between Gainwell and his quarterback has been evident as well, with the veteran tailback talking about Mayfield on The Jim Rome Show .
"I love his swagger, man. It's crazy," Gainwell said on Oct. 30. "He's outta this world."
As Mayfield continues to get healthy, his energy and competitive edge gives him a way to make a positive impact despite limited passes.
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But, this Sunday will provide a big test for the Bucs' offense, having to keep up with Caleb Williams and the surging Chicago Bears.
Mayfield should be much-healthier heading into the Sunday Night Football matchup, paving the way for a more-balanced offensive attack.
