Baker Mayfield Jokes About Josh Allen’s Height Ahead of Buccaneers-Bills Showdown

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Week 11 looking to recover from a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots, and their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills offers an opportunity to reset against one of the AFC’s most dynamic teams. Despite the pressure, quarterback Baker Mayfield lightened the mood this week, poking fun at Buffalo’s star signal-caller, Josh Allen, during a media session.

“I have to walkie-talkie to him because he’s so damn tall,” Mayfield quipped. “With Buffalo, it’s cold, it’s rainy, even though he’s 6-foot-10 and his hands are small, so he’d better wear gloves.” The comment, delivered with a grin, drew laughter from reporters as Mayfield mixed humor with the reality of preparing for a cold-weather road game.

While Allen isn’t quite 6-foot-10 — he stands at 6-foot-5 — his stature and athleticism have made him one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. The matchup between Mayfield and Allen brings together two strong-armed competitors with a flair for improvisation, both eager to lead their teams back into the win column.

With both clubs coming off losses — the Buccaneers against the Patriots and the Bills against the Dolphins — Sunday’s game at Highmark Stadium could have major implications for playoff positioning in both conferences.

1. Both Offenses Seeking to Regain Rhythm

Last week’s defeats highlighted offensive struggles on both sides. Tampa Bay managed just 17 points in its loss to New England despite a resilient performance from Mayfield, who continued to fight through pressure and injury to keep the Buccaneers competitive late. The offense, however, struggled to sustain drives, particularly in the red zone. Buffalo, meanwhile, failed to score in the first half of its road loss to Miami, falling into a hole too deep to climb out of. The Bills’ offensive execution has been inconsistent in recent weeks, a concerning trend for a team that entered the season with Super Bowl expectations. Both teams rank among the league’s top half in total offense, but turnovers and missed opportunities have prevented them from capitalizing on their talent. For Mayfield, the challenge will be adjusting to Buffalo’s aggressive pass rush, led by edge rusher Greg Rousseau and veteran Leonard Floyd. Allen, on the other hand, will face a Tampa Bay defense that remains one of the most opportunistic in the NFL under head coach Todd Bowles. Limiting mistakes and finding offensive balance could be the deciding factor in a game where both teams are desperate to reestablish momentum.

2. Injuries Test Depth and Adaptability

Neither side enters the matchup fully healthy. Buffalo continues to deal with the loss of key offensive contributors, most notably tight end Dalton Kincaid, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. His absence removes one of Allen’s most reliable targets over the middle, forcing the Bills to lean more heavily on receivers Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir. Tampa Bay’s injury woes are even more pressing. Star wide receiver Mike Evans remains out for an extended stretch, while Chris Godwin’s status is questionable for Sunday’s contest. Those setbacks have placed additional pressure on Mayfield to spread the ball to younger receivers and tight ends who are still developing chemistry within the offense. Both teams have shown resilience in the face of adversity. The Buccaneers, despite their inconsistencies, continue to lead the NFC South, while the Bills remain within striking distance of the Patriots in the AFC East. Each club’s ability to adapt to injuries could determine how deep a playoff run they can make later this season. As both teams look to find consistency, the game will likely hinge on quarterback play — with Mayfield’s competitiveness and Allen’s playmaking ability setting the tone in what promises to be a physical, high-stakes contest.

3. Playoff Picture Begins to Take Shape

Beyond the immediate need for a win, this matchup carries larger implications for both franchises. For Tampa Bay, maintaining control of the NFC South will require continued grit amid roster challenges and a demanding schedule. For Buffalo, a loss could further complicate its playoff path in a competitive AFC East, where every game could impact postseason seeding. Mayfield’s leadership and energy have provided a steadying influence for the Buccaneers through a season of ups and downs, while Allen continues to shoulder the dual burden of passing production and rushing yards for the Bills. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has eluded their respective offenses. The conditions in Buffalo — cold, possibly rainy, and windy — could further test each quarterback’s adaptability. Mayfield’s lighthearted joke about Allen’s height might have drawn laughs, but come game day, both signal-callers will be focused on execution, not banter. As Week 11 looms, Tampa Bay and Buffalo find themselves in similar positions — talented, tested, and searching for the spark that will define their second-half surge toward the playoffs.