The Chiefs are all set to lock horns with the Bucs at the Arrowhead in week 9. But could this game be a thorn in KC’s 7-0 perfect run? Bucs OC Liam Coen thinks they’ve got a shot. Especially since he sees the Chiefs’ defense as “organized chaos.” And with Baker Mayfield bringing the heat this season, Coen’s confident they’ve got a winning formula. But here’s where it gets interesting. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo isn’t buying into the Baker hype so easily.

Hear us out… He’s got Mayfield’s game figured out, down to the finest detail! “He’s perfect in the system. I see a guy getting the ball out really quick and on time,” Spagnuolo noted. Sure, he respects the efficiency Baker’s shown so far, particularly on early downs. But he’s got plans to disrupt that rhythm.

“Before the ball is snapped, he knows what he’s looking at. Efficient on first and second down—and they’re No. 1 on third down.” It’s shaping up to be a true chess match at Arrowhead. So far, in the pregame mind games, we can say it’s a stalemate. But all eyes are on which side can outsmart the other when it counts.

It’s been a lot of back and forth between the two teams. But they must walk the talk at the Arrowhead. Now, the Bucs and Mayfield both have hit a little slump in the last two weeks, leading their record to fall to a 4-4. However, those who have watched the game know how important Baker has been under center.

I mean, he does not have the option. Had it been the case, he was not so important, even then the Bucs would have expected Mayfield to step up. Why? The D-line has been a cause of an issue of late. The best example of it is Kirk Cousins and the Falcons shredding them in the last game. And now, this defense would face the best in Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce‘s second act, and DeAndre Hopkins finding his feet in the new team. Phew! That’s quite a lineup to face. So, by the letter of the law, the Bucs’ #6 must deliver and he knows it…

Baker Mayfield must bring his A-Game to Kansas City

Baker Mayfield knows one thing for sure. Playing smart, mistake-free football is his best shot at taking down the undefeated Chiefs. And you can hedge your bets that he wants to end every drive with a kick. Even if that sometimes means punting. “Some of them might be field position… But don’t get frustrated,” Mayfield said, underscoring the essentials: control, execution, and a sharp eye on the details.

It’s clear the Bucs have been making strides—even without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin against the Falcons, they racked up 26 points and 432 yards. But here’s the issue: Mayfield’s turnovers. Multiple interceptions in the last three games have hurt them badly. Give Mahomes and Reid extra chances, and you’re asking for trouble. The Bucs’ offense may be putting up an impressive 29.4 points per game, but they’ve also had eight turnovers in just three games. Ouch.

And then there’s the Chiefs’ defense, standing like a brick wall. Steve Spagnuolo’s squad ranks fifth, allowing only 17.6 points per game and holding opponents to just 82.3 rushing yards. They’ve forced a turnover in every game except one and only let one team cross 320 total yards. So, for Mayfield, it’s a challenge like no other—he’s facing one of the stingiest defenses in the league.

The path forward? Mayfield is the saving grace. But it’s not an easy road. I mean, Mahomes and the Chiefs are waiting on the so-called light at the end of the tunnel. If that’s the case, then the only hope there is, is to pray.