Falcons' Stefanski Praises Rival QB Mayfield Ahead of Showdown

Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski offers respect for Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield despite their divisional rivalry.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Newly hired Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski made his first public comments about the team's upcoming divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their quarterback Baker Mayfield. Rather than fueling the rivalry with criticism, Stefanski chose to take the high road, praising Mayfield as a talented player and person that he has "a ton of respect for." Stefanski acknowledged the heated nature of the Falcons-Buccaneers rivalry but made it clear he would not get into personal attacks, instead focusing on the competition between the two teams on the field.

Why it matters

Stefanski's measured response sets the tone for how the Falcons will approach this key divisional game against their rival Buccaneers. By avoiding personal jabs and instead focusing on the quality of the players and teams involved, Stefanski is framing the matchup as a battle between legitimate contenders rather than a war of words. This approach could help the Falcons stay focused on execution and avoid getting drawn into a war of words that could distract from their preparation.

The details

Mayfield, the former first overall draft pick, has had an up-and-down NFL career, finding success early in Cleveland before struggling in Carolina. Now with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has stabilized the offense and reestablished himself as a legitimate starting quarterback. Stefanski acknowledged Mayfield's talent and the challenge he presents for the Falcons, but made it clear he would not engage in personal criticisms, saying he has "a ton of respect" for Mayfield as both a player and a person.

  • The Falcons and Buccaneers will face off on Sunday in a key NFC South divisional matchup.

The players

Kevin Stefanski

The head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who is preparing his team to face their division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Baker Mayfield

The starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has had an up-and-down NFL career but has found success in Tampa Bay, making him a key threat for the Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“Baker's somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person. I love rivalries in sports and obviously Buccaneers-Falcons have a great rivalry. It's something that I'm excited about, but I would not get into the specifics of those type of things other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player, as a person. That's a great team with a great player.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Falcons and Buccaneers will face off on Sunday in a key NFC South divisional matchup that could have major playoff implications for both teams.

The takeaway

Stefanski's measured response to questions about Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers-Falcons rivalry sets a tone of respect and professionalism for the Falcons heading into this important divisional showdown. By avoiding personal attacks and instead focusing on the quality of the players and teams involved, Stefanski is positioning the Falcons to stay focused on execution and avoid getting drawn into a war of words that could distract from their preparation.