Wilks refutes Mayfield’s comment that the ex-Panthers interim coach was to blame for his release

ay Bowles a win over his former team. Mayfield responded by saying, “It’s personal for him. That’s his old team. So, I know that feels good for him.”

Wilks, the defensive coordinator for the Jets, did not take kindly to Mayfield’s comments. In a press conference a few days later, he fired back at the young quarterback, saying, “It’s not personal for him. It’s personal for us. We take every game seriously, and we play to win. Baker may think it’s personal, but for us, it’s just another game on the schedule.”

Wilks went on to criticize Mayfield’s play during the game, pointing out missed opportunities and poor decision-making on the field. He also questioned Mayfield’s maturity and leadership abilities, suggesting that the quarterback still has a lot to learn before he can be considered one of the league’s elite players.

The comments from Wilks sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts, with some siding with the defensive coordinator and others defending Mayfield. Many pointed to Mayfield’s impressive rookie season and leadership skills as evidence that he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL.

However, others argued that Mayfield still has a lot to prove and should focus on improving his game rather than getting into verbal spats with opposing coaches. They suggested that his comments were unnecessary and only served to distract from the team’s performance on the field.

As the controversy continued to swirl, both Mayfield and Wilks found themselves at the center of media attention. Reporters peppered them with questions about their feud, trying to get to the bottom of the animosity between the two. Mayfield remained defiant, insisting that his comments were taken out of context and that he was simply trying to show respect for Bowles and his former team.

Wilks, on the other hand, doubled down on his criticism of Mayfield, reiterating that the quarterback needed to focus on his performance on the field rather than engaging in petty disputes with opposing coaches. He emphasized that the Jets were a team with a winning mentality and that they would not be distracted by such antics.

The tension between Mayfield and Wilks continued to simmer as the Jets prepared for their next game against the Buffalo Bills. Fans eagerly awaited the matchup, hoping to see whether Mayfield would back up his words with a strong performance on the field.

However, the game did not go as planned for the Jets. Despite a valiant effort from Mayfield and the rest of the team, they fell to the Bills in a close contest. Mayfield put up solid numbers, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, but it was not enough to secure the win.

After the game, Wilks once again took the opportunity to criticize Mayfield, suggesting that his performance was not up to par and that he needed to do better in order to lead the team to victory. He also called out Mayfield’s behavior on the field, pointing to instances of poor sportsmanship and questionable decision-making.

Mayfield, for his part, remained defiant in the face of criticism, insisting that he was doing everything in his power to help the team succeed. He acknowledged that there were areas where he needed to improve, but he also expressed confidence in his abilities and his potential as a leader.

As the season progressed, the feud between Mayfield and Wilks continued to dominate headlines. Fans and analysts alike debated the merits of each side, with some calling for a truce and others egging them on. The tension reached a boiling point when the Jets faced off against the Patriots in a crucial divisional matchup.

The game was a must-win for both teams, and the stakes were high. Mayfield came out firing on all cylinders, leading the Jets to an early lead with a series of impressive drives. However, the Patriots fought back, and the game quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle.

In the end, it was the Patriots who emerged victorious, dealing a devastating blow to the Jets’ playoff hopes. Mayfield put up solid numbers once again, but it was not enough to overcome the relentless pressure from the Patriots’ defense.

After the game, Wilks once again took the opportunity to criticize Mayfield, suggesting that his performance was lacking and that he needed to step up in crucial moments. He also questioned Mayfield’s ability to lead the team under pressure, pointing to instances where he seemed to wilt in the face of adversity.

Mayfield, for his part, remained stoic in the face of criticism, refusing to engage in a war of words with Wilks. He acknowledged that the loss was disappointing, but he also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back and finish the season strong.

As the regular season came to a close, the Jets found themselves on the outside looking in when it came to the playoffs. Despite a valiant effort from Mayfield and the rest of the team, they were unable to secure a spot in the postseason.

In the aftermath of the disappointing end to the season, both Mayfield and Wilks took time to reflect on their feud and the impact it had on the team. Mayfield admitted that he could have handled the situation better and that he regretted getting into a public spat with an opposing coach.

Wilks, for his part, also expressed regret over the way the situation had unfolded, acknowledging that his comments may have been too harsh. He emphasized that his primary focus was on helping the team succeed and that he would do whatever it took to ensure their success in the future.

As the offseason approached, both Mayfield and Wilks made a concerted effort to put the feud behind them and focus on the upcoming season. They exchanged pleasantries during a chance encounter at a charity event, signaling a tentative truce between the two.

In the end, the feud between Mayfield and Wilks served as a cautionary tale for both players and coaches in the NFL. It highlighted the dangers of engaging in public disputes and the importance of focusing on the game rather than getting caught up in personal rivalries.

As the new season approached, both Mayfield and Wilks were determined to put the past behind them and move forward. They understood that their ultimate goal was to win games and lead their respective teams to success, and they were willing to do whatever it took to achieve that goal.

In the end, the feud between Mayfield and Wilks may have been nothing more than a blip on the radar, a temporary distraction in the grand scheme of the NFL season. But it served as a valuable lesson for both players and coaches, a reminder of the importance of professionalism and sportsmanship in the world of professional football. And in the end, that may have been the most important lesson of all.

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Source: Yahoo Entertainment