It’s the coveted matchup that we’ve all been waiting for. And I’m not even talking about Bucs vs. Saints.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

For the first time since Tampa Bay defeated New Orleans in the divisional round of the 2020 playoffs, we get a rematch of one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL – Carlton Davis III against Michael Thomas.

There’s no love lost between the very talented cornerback and former All-Pro receiver. The two line up against one another often on the field, which has caused for tension between both. Following the 30-20 playoff win, Davis had more words for Thomas on twitter, boasting about how he shut him down in the game. Thomas did not have a reception on four targets.

The Tweet From Davis That Started It All

He went on to call Thomas “Slaint Boi” in another tweet, which poked fun at the running joke that Thomas can only run slant routes.

Unfortunately, Thomas suffered an ankle injury last year that caused him to miss the entire season. In a sequence of long term storytelling, we’ll finally get to see these two go at it again on Sunday.

Would having a year apart cause the tension to settle just a little bit? After talking to Davis in the locker room, it appears that it has not. Davis was asked about playing against Thomas and the Saints and he could only muster up a few words about his opponent.

“He’s got a wide catch radius,” Davis said. “That’s about it.”

In between those responses were comical and awkward laughs from Davis, who was clearly holding back about what he really wanted to say. He was then asked by Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds if he respected Thomas.

“Yeah, I respect everybody, of course,” Davis said. “I respect everybody that puts on the pads and gets out there.”

Davis did respond to the words he had for Thomas on that night where the Bucs advanced in the postseason. He chalked it up to letting the emotions getting the best of him when he typically doesn’t talk trash on line.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Sometimes it gets real sticky,” Davis laughed at. “I’m not really a trash talker especially over social media. That’s not really my thing. I guess the emotions kind of got caught up in it. During the game, it is what it is. Emotions are high and we’re out there playing ball. Whatever it is, it’s going to be.”

Davis Wants Saints To Throw At Him

The Bucs number one corner is hoping that the Saints throw his way on Sunday. He emphasized the importance of winning the game against a team in their division over any grievances he has with their players. With that said, if the ball comes to his side he’ll be the one taking it.

“For us, it’s another divisional game that we need to win. They do some good things, they made some offseason adjustments with their personnel. But nevertheless we got a job to do and we’re going to go out  there and do it. At the end of the day we got to get this win and if they want to pass the ball, then by all means pass the ball. I’m ready.”

Watch the full response from Davis here: