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What the Patriots’ Carlton Davis said about returning to Tampa
"We talked about it today, he was just talking about how it was going to be weird."
Sunday’s matchup against the Buccaneers will serve as a homecoming for one Patriots player.
Cornerback Carlton Davis was signed by New England from Detroit this offseason, after he spent the first six years of his career with Tampa Bay. This will be the first time Davis has returned to Raymond James Stadium since he last played there.
Drafted in 2018, the Florida native was an immediate starter in the the Buccaneers’ secondary. Now, after 11 career interceptions and a Super Bowl win in 2020, Davis will look to get revenge on his former team and help the Patriots keep their win streak alive.
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Davis’s years of experience have played a key role for New England on their way to a 7-2 record.
“He’s brought veteran leadership, he’s brought grit, competitiveness,” Patriots cornerbacks coach Justin Hamilton told reporters. “He’s brought his experience through his career, crossing over with guys that we’ve played against.”
Although the Buccaneers offense was elite in 2024, the Patriots will have a bit of help by injuries they’ve suffered this season. Running back Bucky Irving has only played four games this year, and is listed as questionable for Sunday.
Veteran receiver Chris Godwin doesn’t have a designation for this game after missing most of the year, and Mike Evans is out with a broken collarbone.
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However, it’s hard to count out Baker Mayfield, who threw 41 TDs last year and was seen as an MVP candidate earlier in the season.
With this being his first return to Tampa, it’ll be a strange moment for Davis, but a chance to see his family is something he’s looking forward to.
“We talked about it today, he was just talking about how it was going to be weird,” Hamilton continued. “He hasn’t been back to that stadium since he played there, but then also that he’s got a house down there, so he’ll be able to see his family, get to see his daughter which’ll be good.”
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