Wilks Responds Strongly to Baker Mayfield’s ‘Cut Me in Carolina’ Remarks

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks recently responded to a comment from Baker Mayfield that stirred some attention. After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Jets with a 29-27 win, Mayfield remarked that the game was personal because Wilks had cut him while he was with the Carolina Panthers.

When asked about this jab, Wilks began by showing respect for Mayfield. “He’s a tremendous player and doing a great job with his team,” Wilks said. But then he added some sharp commentary.

Wilks reminded reporters about the challenges of an interim coach and personnel decisions. “If I had that much power, I wouldn’t have traded our best player, Christian McCaffrey,” he pointed out. This emphasizes the difficulties of coaching transitions in the NFL.

Wilks was indeed the interim coach at the time Mayfield was released in December 2022. Weeks earlier, the team had dealt McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, which led to a rough period for the Panthers. Back then, Wilks explained that he felt it was best for the team to let Mayfield go, who had just one win in five starts with the Panthers.

In the game, Mayfield had a strong finish, guiding the Bucs on a crucial final drive, leading to a game-winning field goal. For the Jets, this was their second loss decided by a last-minute field goal.

Looking ahead, the Jets, now 0-3, will face off against the Miami Dolphins, also searching for their first win at Hard Rock Stadium. The pressure is mounting for Wilks and his team. He acknowledged, “We’ve got to find a way to finish. That starts with me, really putting the guys in position to succeed.”

In the fast-paced world of the NFL, such coaching changes and player decisions can have lasting impacts. As teams grapple with strategy and performance, fans and analysts will keenly watch how these dynamics unfold in the coming weeks.

For further insights into NFL coaching changes and team strategy, check out ESPN’s detailed analyses. Keeping an eye on these shifts can really enhance our understanding of the league’s competitive landscape.

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