Intriguing Game- NFL, Week Four
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
Bucs: Monday night was a tough loss for them. The Eagles were just more prepared and outcoached them. That’s what happens in this game these days. I saw a team that had a tough time getting much of anything going on offense and a defense that has been one of the best at stopping the run was gashed by the Philly ground game to the tune of 130 yards by D’Andre Swift. Many expected this team to tank for their next franchise Quarterback after being spoiled with the GOAT for three seasons until he retired for good. One of the reasons why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a better start than expected is the play of Baker Mayfield. Now on paper, going from Tom Brady as your starting Quarterback to Baker Mayfield is definitely a major downgrade because you’re going from the all-time greatest to a Quarterback who’s won the Heisman in college and was the number one pick taken in his draft class, but he’s struggled to find himself. Here in Tampa, I’ve noticed he looks more comfortable and he’s found a coaching staff that wouldn’t allow him to jump out of his box. All they need from him is to control things, hand the ball off and most importantly, not lose the football game. That’s the game managing Quarterback I just described. The defense is still the major strong point and will help them win football games. The Bucs will look to bounce back on Sunday afternoon in New Orleans.
Saints: When you’re up 17 points, you close out. Plain and simple. What happened to ball control and milking the clock? It all went down the drain when Derek Carr went down with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. I’ll be honest with you if I may. Yes, they won their first two games, but they didn’t look all that sharp in doing so. They beat the Tennessee Titans by a point in week one when both you and I know that’s a game they should’ve won by at least two touchdowns and in week two against the Carolina Panthers, they survived that by three points. The point I’m getting at is the Saints offense has yet to click with Derek under center. When he signed with New Orleans, everyone was excited because they were getting a veteran Quarterback and since Drew Brees retired, they’ve had a tough time finding consistency at the position and let’s also remember it’s never easy to replace a legendary Quarterback who is a future Hall of Famer. I can also point to their struggles offensively because a key weapon has been out for the first three games. I’m talking about Alvin Kamara and he’s their best player on that side of the ball because he impacts the game as both a runner and a receiver. Watch the difference in their offense with him compared to how they are without him. When it was announced that Dennis Allen was going to be their next Head Coach, I knew this defense would remain one of the best. They singlehandedly won that first game against the Titans to kick off the year and they were all over Bryce Young in his home debut. They return home this Sunday for a divisional showdown.
Bucs X-Factor: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka– He was a first round pick for the Bucs in 2021 and was inserted into their defensive scheme right away. Joe has been an average starter and with Shaq Barrett commanding the attention he does, he often sees his share of single looks. Joe is great at creating pressure and getting to the Quarterback and wins his battles with a spin move and inside counter. He’s a better run stopper than he’s given credit for.
Saints X-Factor: Tyrann Mathieu– You all have heard me compare him to the Hall of Famer, Troy Polamalu. Tyrann is one of the leaders of this New Orleans secondary and if you don’t know where he is on the field at all times, he will destroy your entire gameplan and make you pay for overlooking him. He’s played with the same motor and intensity since coming into the league and has been one of the best safeties in the league.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. Evans/Lattimore, Round _?– These two men can’t stand each other and every time they play, a fight breaks out between Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore. Five fights have broken out between them in the last three years. I already know these two are going to be at each others necks on Sunday. Stay tuned because it’ll be must see tv once again. Expect a few flags and potential ejections just as we saw last season when they played.
2. Welcome Back Alvin– Alvin Kamara is expected to make his regular season debut and I think his presence will help open up the Saints offense and get them going. Isn’t it amazing how one guy can make all the difference and get it going on one side of the ball. Alvin might be rusty early on, but I can see him get it going the more they attempt to incorporate him in the offensive scheme on Sunday.
3. Starting?– Who will be under center for the Saints? Derek Carr is listed as questionable with a shoulder issue and Jameis Winston replaced him on Sunday in Green Bay. I can see them making the decision closer and closer to kickoff to help throw off the Bucs defense and teams do that to throw off the game plan and confuse the opposition. Don’t be surprised if that’s the case here.
Final Analysis: These are the two heavyweights in the NFC South it appears. I’ve had fun previewing this matchup in the last few years. I was fortunate to break down all three of their battles in 2020 with Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Fast forward to now, some of the skill players are still on both teams, the legendary Quarterbacks just aren’t there anymore. I’m looking to see how both of these teams bounce back after let downs on Sunday. The Saints will receive a boost with Kamara back on the field. Look for New Orleans to get the running game going and take a page out of the Eagles playbook because Philly ran the ball on them well and it appears they can be had (Tampa’s run defense). For Tampa, Baker must pick his spots efficiently because the Saints will throw a ton of different looks at him and look to create those turnovers left and right. This will be a close game and the defenses will rise to the occasion. I like the Saints to bounce back here.
Prediction: Saints 20, Bucs 17
