Buccaneers Versus Saints Preview
Which team has the edge in this critical NFC South showdown?
This Sunday, we get the highly anticipated rematch between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints. The Saints secured the victory in game one 34–23. Tampa quarterback Tom Brady had perhaps his worst game of the season, throwing two of his four total interceptions this season. It however, wasn’t that unexpected that Brady struggled some. It was his first game of the season with a new team, after an offseason of no OTAs or preseason games.
Since game one it has been mainly smooth sailing for Brady and the Buccaneers though. Tampa Bay currently has a 6–2 record, and a lead in the division. Many consider the Buccaneers to be the most complete team in football and for good reason. Brady and company currently has the Tampa offense ranked fourth in points per game. The 43 year old quarterback also finds himself in the MVP discussion. Brady has thrown the fourth most touchdowns this season (20), while tossing only four interceptions.
For as explosive as Tampa Bay’s offense has been, the Bucs’ defense may actually be the MVP of the team. This season, the team ranks in the top seven of total yards allowed per game (third-fewest), rushing yards allowed per game (fewest), and points allowed per game (seventh-fewest). That’s not all though, as Tampa is also averaging the second-most sacks per game, while forcing a league high 14 turnovers. Perhaps the biggest reason for the team’s success on defense is second-year linebacker Devin White. The former LSU Tiger has been dominant this year. White has racked up the ninth-most total tackles, while adding in five sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
While the energy around Tampa Bay has been mainly optimistic, the same can’t be said about New Orleans.
The Saints haven’t been bad this year, as their 5–2 record will tell you. Something just hasn’t appeared right in New Orleans. They’ve only won one game this season by more than six points (week one against Tampa). Their schedule however, has included games against below average teams. A six point win over the Lions, a three point win over the Panthers, and a three point overtime win over the Chargers doesn’t necessarily bring excitement and optimism.
There’s a couple of reasons for the Saints’ struggles this season. The first being quarterback Drew Brees’ inability to push the ball downfield. Defenses don’t respect the New Orleans quarterback’s ability to throw the deep ball. The second being receiver Michael Thomas’ injuries. Thomas has played in just one game this season for the Saints. He however, will finally be making his return against the Buccaneers. The final reason is the Saints defense. New Orleans has been struggling to stop opponents this season. They’re currently middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per game (16th). The unit also is allowing the tenth-most points per game. The biggest issue for the New Orleans defense is their inability to force turnovers. The Saints are tied for the third-fewest takeaways this year.
There is a bright spot for the Saints though, and his name is Alvin Kamara. The all around back has been doing everything for New Orleans this season. He has 434 rushing yards, along with four rushing scores. It doesn’t stop there however, as Kamara currently has the second-most receptions in the entire league. This has led to the running back totaling 556 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. While he has been spectacular this season, Kamara will perhaps be facing his toughest test on Sunday.
This game will be decide by two key matchups. The first being Kamara against Tampa’s number one ranked rush defense. If the Buccaneers are able to hold the Saints running back in check, they’ll likely be leaving the game with a victory. If Kamara is able to exploit the unit however, then New Orleans may have the upper hand Sunday. Stopping Kamara isn’t the only way Tampa Bay can secure a victory though. The other way is the second key matchup, which is Tampa’s receivers against New Orleans’ secondary. Tom Brady is set to have his full arsenal of wide receivers against the Saints. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and now Antonio Brown will all be active Sunday. If New Orleans has any chance of winning this game, they’ll have to figure out some way to stop Tampa’s three headed monster. Based on what we’ve seen this season that doesn’t seem likely. I expect Tampa Bay to walk away with the victory on Sunday night.
