In the recent matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints, the Buccaneers secured a 27-19 victory at home. The game was competitive, with both teams showing moments of strong play and some areas for improvement. To gain a deeper understanding of how the game unfolded, we’ll take a closer look at the team and individual player statistics from the contest.
Overview of the Game
The game ended with a 27-19 win for the Buccaneers, who improved to 10-7 on the season, with a 5-4 record at home. On the other hand, the New Orleans Saints fell to 5-12, with a disappointing 2-6 record on the road. The Saints had moments of promise but were unable to maintain consistency throughout the game, especially in key areas such as third-down efficiency and red zone opportunities.
Let’s break down the team and player statistics to get a clearer picture of what contributed to the outcome of this match.
Team Stats Comparison
The final score was 27-19 in favor of Tampa Bay, but the statistics tell a deeper story. The Saints held a slight edge in some areas, while the Buccaneers performed better in others. Below are the key team stats:
| Statistic | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 19 | 20 |
| Passing 1st Downs | 14 | 11 |
| Rushing 1st Downs | 4 | 6 |
| 1st Downs from Penalties | 1 | 3 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 3-13 | 10-16 |
| 4th Down Efficiency | 2-3 | 1-1 |
| Total Plays | 63 | 64 |
| Total Yards | 292 | 395 |
| Total Drives | 9 | 10 |
| Yards per Play | 4.6 | 6.2 |
| Passing | 228 | 216 |
| Comp/Att | 26/42 | 21/32 |
| Yards per Pass | 5.2 | 6.5 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Sacks-Yards Lost | 2-12 | 1-5 |
| Rushing | 64 | 179 |
| Rushing Attempts | 19 | 31 |
| Yards per Rush | 3.4 | 5.8 |
| Red Zone (Made-Att) | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Penalties | 8-77 | 12-90 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Possession | 27:44 | 32:16 |
Offensive Play Analysis
Passing Game
When examining the passing game, the Saints threw for a total of 228 yards compared to the Buccaneers’ 216 yards. Despite having more passing yards, the Saints struggled with efficiency, completing only 26 of 42 passes. On the other hand, the Buccaneers completed 21 of 32 passes. The Saints’ quarterback, though relatively accurate, did not generate enough big plays, averaging just 5.2 yards per pass attempt. The Buccaneers’ passing game had more success in this regard, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt.
Key to Tampa Bay’s passing success was their ability to convert on third downs, with quarterback Baker Mayfield managing the offense efficiently. Meanwhile, the Saints, led by Derek Carr, found themselves in frequent third-and-long situations.
Carr had no interceptions in the game, but he did struggle with the lack of sustained success in the passing game. The Buccaneers defense did a solid job pressuring Carr, even though they didn’t record an overwhelming number of sacks. Still, the Saints’ offensive line allowed 2 sacks for 12 yards, while Tampa Bay allowed just 1 sack for 5 yards.
Rushing Game
The running game was a significant factor for the Buccaneers, as they racked up 179 rushing yards on 31 attempts, averaging a solid 5.8 yards per rush. Rachaad White was particularly effective, contributing to the team’s dominant rushing attack. On the other hand, the Saints’ rushing game was much less effective, producing just 64 yards on 19 carries for an average of 3.4 yards per carry. Alvin Kamara, a key player for the Saints’ offense, struggled to find space and break through the Buccaneers’ defense.
The Buccaneers’ offensive line was able to create enough push for their backs to gain consistent yardage, while the Saints’ defense showed vulnerability against the run. The Saints did not have a single explosive run, while Tampa Bay had several runs of 10 yards or more, which helped set up favorable field positions.
Red Zone Efficiency
Red zone performance was another crucial aspect of the game. The Saints converted 1 of 2 red zone opportunities into a touchdown, whereas the Buccaneers were able to convert 2 of 3 attempts. The inability of the Saints to finish drives inside the red zone ultimately hurt their chances of making a comeback in this game.
The Saints’ struggles inside the 20-yard line were partly due to the pressure exerted by the Buccaneers’ defense, which often forced the Saints into tough situations when they got close to the end zone.
Defensive and Special Teams Performance
Tackling and Pressure
While the Saints were able to get pressure on Baker Mayfield, they struggled to generate enough consistent pressure to disrupt the Buccaneers’ rhythm. Tampa Bay’s defense, in contrast, was able to apply steady pressure on Derek Carr, sacking him twice for 12 yards. The Saints had 2 sacks as well, but their inability to consistently get to Mayfield allowed the Buccaneers’ offense to stay on schedule and sustain drives.
Both teams were relatively solid in terms of tackles. The Saints managed to make their stops but allowed too many big runs and passes. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, limited explosive plays and made key tackles in critical situations, forcing the Saints to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns.
Penalties
Penalties were an issue for both teams, but particularly for the Buccaneers, who were flagged 12 times for 90 yards. This inconsistency in discipline led to several penalties that extended Saints’ drives, but the defense was able to hold strong and limit the damage. In contrast, the Saints committed 8 penalties for 77 yards, which was a bit more manageable but still contributed to their struggles in maintaining offensive rhythm.
Turnovers
Turnovers were another significant factor. The Saints did not turn the ball over, while the Buccaneers had 1 turnover, an interception thrown by Mayfield. While Tampa Bay’s lone turnover didn’t immediately result in points for the Saints, it did put them in a good position at times. The Buccaneers will need to reduce turnovers in future games to avoid more costly mistakes.
Key Player Performances
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Baker Mayfield (QB): Mayfield’s performance was solid. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 216 yards. Although he did throw an interception, he avoided turning the ball over further and managed the offense efficiently, especially when converting third downs.
- Rachaad White (RB): White had a standout game with 179 yards on 31 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He was a key contributor to Tampa Bay’s offensive success and kept the chains moving with his strong performance.
- Mike Evans (WR): Evans had 4 catches for 67 yards. Though he didn’t score a touchdown, he contributed important receptions at crucial moments, including a couple of key first downs to extend drives.
- Devin White (LB): White was a force on defense, making crucial tackles and putting pressure on the Saints’ offensive line. His leadership in the middle of the defense played a pivotal role in limiting the Saints’ ability to sustain drives.
New Orleans Saints
- Derek Carr (QB): Carr completed 26 of 42 passes for 228 yards, but he couldn’t find the rhythm needed to get the Saints into the end zone. His performance was inconsistent, and while he didn’t throw an interception, he was pressured into hurried throws at critical moments.
- Alvin Kamara (RB): Kamara was limited to just 49 yards on 18 carries, averaging 2.7 yards per rush. The Buccaneers’ defense was able to contain him, and he was unable to generate any explosive plays.
- Chris Olave (WR): Olave had a solid performance, catching 7 passes for 106 yards. He was one of the few bright spots in the passing game, but his efforts weren’t enough to lift the Saints past the Buccaneers.
- Cameron Jordan (DE): Jordan was disruptive as usual, contributing to 1 of the 2 sacks on Mayfield. His pressure on the Buccaneers’ quarterback was a highlight for the Saints’ defensive line, but it wasn’t enough to change the course of the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged victorious in this matchup thanks to a more balanced offensive attack and better performance in key areas such as rushing, third-down conversions, and red zone efficiency. While the Saints had some moments of success, particularly through the air with Derek Carr and Chris Olave, they ultimately fell short due to inefficiencies in both the running game and red zone execution.
The Buccaneers will be pleased with their ability to control the game tempo with a strong rushing attack and solid defensive efforts, while the Saints will need to address their inconsistencies and improve in critical areas to bounce back in future contests.
