Divisional matchups are always a bit spicier than regular opponents, and the New Orleans Saints' next matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is shaping up to be just that with some fuel to the fire added by Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Ahead of Tampa Bay’s Week 8 matchup against the Saints, the Buccaneers quarterback took a not-so-subtle jab at New Orleans, calling out what he described as “dirty play” from past meetings.

In a video shared by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Mayfield didn't mince words about the upcoming showdown.

"It hasn’t exactly been clean play from their part when we play them," Mayfield said. "I don’t like them."

It’s the kind of talk that might fire up the Saints’ locker room just as much as their fans, who have heard this kind of noise before and often thrive on it.

For Mayfield, the rivalry with New Orleans goes beyond just another divisional opponent. It is personal, fueled by past physical encounters, divisional stakes, and long-simmering bad blood.

Past Encounters That Built the Grudge

Mayfield’s distaste for the Saints didn’t begin in Tampa Bay, it’s an attitude that’s grown since his early NFC South battles.

He’s gone on record about taking late hits in previous games, accusing New Orleans defenders of crossing the line.

But for Saints fans, that’s just part of the reputation that’s been built over years of tough, physical football. The Saints have always been known for setting the tone defensively, and if that frustrates opponents, it’s usually because it works.

New Orleans Has Always Owned the Edge

When Mayfield talks about not liking the Saints, the record shows why: New Orleans has largely controlled this rivalry since 2015, especially at home in the Superdome.

Even Tom Brady struggled to find consistent success against former coach Dennis Allen’s defense, per CBS.  Mayfield might bring energy, but that Saints front seven has made life miserable for far more accomplished quarterbacks. 

That’s the reality he’s walking into again this week.

For years, New Orleans has let their play do the talking. The team has built a culture on accountability and aggression, not trash talk. Mayfield’s comments might sound bold, but to the Saints, they’re just fuel.

New Orleans’ defense has earned its reputation the hard way—by punishing mistakes and winning physical battles.  If Mayfield thinks toughness is “dirty,” Saints fans would likely tell him he’s in the wrong division.

Final Thoughts

In truth, Mayfield’s comments reveal more about his mindset than the Saints’.

He’s a fiery competitor trying to establish himself in a division dominated by New Orleans for years.  The Saints once set the standard he’s still chasing, ironically enough to say about a current 1-6 team.

Rivalries don’t exist without respect, and beneath the talk, Mayfield knows that beating New Orleans is a statement game.

For the Saints, though, it’s just another chance to remind the Buccaneers and their quarterback who’s owned the South for nearly a decade. And it's a desperate chance for a flailing team to find a spark against a soaring divisional opponent.

So when Mayfield lines up under center this week, Saints fans won’t be thinking about his words, they’ll be waiting for their defense to do the talking. In New Orleans, rivalries are earned through hits, wins, and noise echoing through the Dome.

And come game day, that’s exactly what Baker Mayfield should expect.