Oftentimes, it did not come smoothly, but the Buccaneers still cruised by a bitter division rival in large part to a dominant defensive outing.
The Bucs logged four turnovers (one returned for a score but
it should’ve been more), four sacks, five tackles for loss, and two fourth-down stops to go along with just 3 points allowed as they tallied their fourth consecutive double-digit victory over the Saints in New Orleans, a 23-3 showcase that clearly displayed how far apart the teams currently are on the competitive spectrum.
Despite dealing with a litany of injuries, traveling on a short week, and coming off a brutal loss, Tampa grinded its way to the win and a 6-2 start entering its bye, which ties the franchise’s best start for the fifth time. With one last brutal stretch coming out of the bye, starting with the resurgent New England Patriots, the Bucs can take the time to heal up and recalibrate their sputtering offense.
For now, let’s do some shoutouts before enjoying a one-week break.
Offensive Top Performer: RB Sean Tucker
It has become clear that the wear and tear of so many injuries and rotating lineups has started to affect Baker Mayfield and Co., so this break should be much-needed after scoring just two offensive touchdowns in the last 8 quarters.
On a day when the offense mostly seemed focused on ball control, third-stringer Sean Tucker toted the rock pretty well. He led all rushers in the game with 12 carries for 42 yards and the Bucs’ only offensive score — serving as a final sledgehammer blow to a stout Saints defensive front that stoned Tampa from 1 yard line 7 times prior in this game alone.
It wasn’t quite his breakout performance against the Saints last year (192 total yards and 2 touchdowns), but it will do.
Rachaad White got dinged up early but still contributed positively (15 touches, 61 total yards), as did Tez Johnson by leading the team in receiving for the second straight week (5 catches for 43 yards). Not too much else to shout out in this one.
Defensive Top Performer: EDGE Anthony Nelson
Sunday’s stars all belonged on defense, which was very refreshing to see after a fairly rough outing against fellow NFC contender Detroit.
But on a field full of big names, the best performer of them all was humble seven-year vet Anthony Nelson. Tasked to start with Haason Reddick injured, Nelson responded in resplendent fashion by single-handedly outscoring the Saints with a pass deflection and pick-six that gave the Bucs a lead they’d never give back.
On top of that, he added a forced fumble to stop the Saints’ opening drive as well as 2 sacks and 4 total tackles. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more deserving guy for NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
That said, Antoine Winfield, Jr. definitely would’ve garnered a co-share of this very prestigious award if the officiating crew didn’t literally steal a touchdown from him — you could argue he should’ve had three touchdowns. We’re all still listening for the whistle. Regardless, Winfield dominated with 6 total tackles, the fumble recovery (there should’ve been a second one as well), and an interception.
Really, the entire secondary played extremely well.
Jamel Dean again played lockdown coverage to continue his resurgent season, totaling 6 tackles and a forced fumble. Tykee Smith totaled 8 tackles, a QB pressure, and a pass defensed, and Zyon McCollum made 6 total tackles and came up with a pass defensed in the endzone. The rookies got in on the action as well with Jacob Parrish (5 tackles, 1 sack) and Ben Morrison (3 tackles, some standout pass coverage reps) contributing.
Special Teams Top Performer: K Chase McLaughlin
When the playmakers are clunking along, it’s nice to have a kicker who doesn’t clunk any kicks himself.
McLaughlin helped finish several drives for the sputtering offense, with all 3 of his field goal makes coming from 50+ yards (long of 55) — he’s the only player this season to accomplish this feat thus far. All of those makes came in the second half to push the game out of reach, allowing the offense to play ball control and the defense to pin its ears back against green “rookie” Tyler Shough, who made his first significant regular-season appearance.
McLaughlin’s 8 makes from 50+ this season are the most in the NFL.
Riley Dixon also continued his recent string of success with a good day, average 50.3 yards on three punts with one pinned inside the 20 and another digging the Bucs deep out of their own territory.
We haven’t had to complain constantly about special teams for a few weeks, so hooray for that!
