NEW ORLEANS -- Baker Mayfield stood apart from his Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates on the Caesars Superdome turf, palms covering the ear holes of his helmet, awaiting the playcall that might provide a much-needed signature moment.
Just about everything about the situation said call a safe play, get the kicker ready: Third-and-goal from the Saints' 5-yard-line, 3:44 left, the Buccaneers up 17-9, star receiver Mike Evans injured, a journeyman quarterback -- on his fourth NFL team in 16 months -- at the controls.
But a few plays earlier, Bucs coach Todd Bowles had directed offensive coordinator Dave Canales to be aggressive.