How the Buccaneers Can Beat the Saints

The Saints are kinda weird. All their stats suggest they should be a really terrible team. Their stats are ranked at the bottom for nearly all the important ones. However, if you actually watch the games, they aren’t that bad. I mean, don’t get me wrong, they aren’t exactly playing like the Colts, but there is a big difference between the Dolphins 1-6 and the Saints 1-6.

I think the reason they don’t feel that bad is Spencer Rattler actually looks pretty good. Which makes the decision to draft Tyler Shough more perplexing. However, when the Buccaneers faced Rattler before, they figured out the best way to stop him was a lot of pressure. It will be difficult to accomplish without Haason Reddick, but Bowles has shown a lot of creativity with how he blitzes with his corners. Inevitably though we will see a lot of passes going to Alvin Kamara. Because of course we get to face yet another good pass catching RB.

On offense, they just have to find rhythm. Baker Mayfield was completely out of sorts last game. I think the biggest thing is keeping Baker from throwing 50 times. We all remember where we were when Sean Tucker completely dominated the Saints. Now, he hasn’t had that great a year, but maybe this is his breakout. Or just lean on Rachaad White. The line has been bullied in the run and pass game, but I think if they can allow White and/or Tucker to produce consistently, that will help. Baker Mayfield once again will to be throwing to Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson. Making it even more important to get the run game going.

Even though the Saints have less talent than the Bucs, despite being less injured, I wouldn’t be shocked by a close loss today. Monday may have shown the Bucs injuries are finally taking their toll. The defense has been pretty strong, but the offense has been so damn inconsistent. However, if Baker shows that his last performance was just a fluke, they should have a good chance. The defense needs to limit Kamara and Olave as much as possible while the offense keeps the ball moving consistently.