Baker Mayfield knows the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' latest win is a big one.
The Buccaneers knocked off the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 behind another dominant ground game, as Tampa Bay ran for a franchise-record 324 rushing yards. While the game had a number of storylines, including the fact that the Buccaneers became the first NFL team to win a game on zero completions, the biggest one is that Tampa Bay pulled off its second straight win over a top divisional rival.
Tampa Bay also defeated the NFC South-leading Carolina Panthers 43-13 last week.
After a 0-4 start, the Buccaneers are now 3-5 and in second place in the division. They're only a half-game behind the Panthers for the NFC South lead, with a home game against them remaining by the end of November.
Mayfield, who returned last week in the win against the Panthers, detailed what this latest win means for the Buccaneers after a slow start to the season.
"I mean it's a long season," Mayfield told reporters after the game. "Obviously you guys have seen in the past where we started out really hot and gone to the midseason low. So it's all about getting hot at the right time and continuing to get better as the season goes on, since it is a long season. So for us, it's not how we not how we wanted to start. Don't get me wrong, but we're continuing to improve and come together as a team and as a unit.
"So playing more complementary football and playing for each other, which is good to see," Mayfield continued. "When stuff's hitting the fan, guys are coming together and not spreading the part, pointing fingers at each other. We're trying to figure it out and make it work."
Mayfield missed three games due a thumb injury and the Buccaneers went 1-2 in his absence. Since his return, they've gone 2-0 with a couple of big wins over their top divisional rivals. But they've done so not because of him, but because of trench dominance and a running game led by Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell.
The Buccaneers are in prime position to potentially win the NFC South for the fifth time in the past six seasons. They have one game apiece remaining against the Panthers and Falcons and will look to extend their win streak in a big Sunday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 9.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Baker Mayfield on Buccaneers bouncing back after 0-4 start to the season
