Two teams that I predicted completely different trajectories for meet up Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The disappointing Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) face off against the surprising New Orleans Saints (5-2).
The game will be beamed about your head and shoulders via your local FOX affiliate at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-7)
O/U: 52.0
The History
Before this game, the Saints and Buccaneers have met exactly 50 times with New Orleans holding a 31-19 advantage in the all time series.
Tampa Bay and the Saints have been in the NFC South since 2002 and even with an early run from the Bucs, it didn’t do much to help the all time record. Drew Brees has owned Tampa Bay. He’s 14-8 against the Buccaneers since joining New Orleans in 2006.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-5)
The Bucs roll into this game on a four game losing streak capped by their worst performance of the season. Tampa Bay managed just three points last week in a 17-3 defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers.
Against the Panthers, quarterback Jameis Winston tossed two interceptions and no touchdowns, completing 21 of 38 for 210 yards. He also lost a fumble. Doug Martin had a decent day running the ball with 18 carries for 71 yards, but the offense’s big play threats of Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson were mostly held in check. Evans caught five passes for 60 yards and Jackson had three catches for 37 yards.
Cameron Brate led the Bucs with four catches for 64 yards.
On defense, Tampa produced absolutely no pressure on Newton. They didn’t record a single sack and had just four tackles for a loss. They’re lucky the score wasn’t more lopsided.
Has Winston regressed? His stats don’t seem to show it. His completion percentage is currently at a career high 61.8 percent. He’s on pace for 4,235 yards passing, which would also be a career high. His current track would put him at 22 touchdown passes, down from 28 last season, but just 14 interceptions. That would be a career low. The stats obviously don’t tell the whole story, but you could argue that just like the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills, the Buccaneers could definitely benefit from an upgrade at the head coaching position.
On the injury report, the only player that should miss the game for sure is cornerback Brent Grimes who is steal dealing with a shoulder injury. Robert Ayers, Chris Baker, Kendell Beckwith, Adam Humphries and Winston are all listed as questionable, but practiced all week.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-2)
The Saints have a much shorter injury report. Only guard Larry Warford is listed as out. Andrus Peat and Terron Armstead are both banged up, but practiced and should play. Considering the pitiful pass rush the Buccaneers have put on the field this season, they probably don’t have to be full strength.
You know who is at full strength? Quarterback Drew Brees who is again carving up every team that shows up on the schedule. He’s completed 70.6 percent of his passes this year for 1,951 yards, 11 touchdowns and just four picks. Last week in a 20-12 win over the Chicago Bears, Brees was 23 of 28 for 299 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara did the scoring in the run game. Ingram carried the ball 18 times for 75 yards and a touchdown. Kamara had eight carries for 28 yards and a score. The rookie out of Tennessee added three catches for 48 yards.
The defense, which was much maligned as the season began, has bounced back over this current win streak. Against the Bears, New Orleans picked up two sacks, nine stops in the backfield and forced a turnover.
The Pick
The Buccaneers could be the second consecutive team featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks to get their coach fired the same year. Tampa Bay had all the hype leading into the season, but that bandwagon has plenty of open seats now. After opening the season 0-2, New Orleans looks to be headed to the postseason. This should be no more than a speed bump in the road. Saints 34, Buccaneers 24
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 9-4
Against the spread: 8-5
Season
Straight up: 69-50
Against the spread: 58-61
To make a wager on any sport, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
