Tampa Bay v. New Orleans

by John Michael

Oh when the Saints go marchin' in.  Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans has always been a fun match-up throughout the years. The Buccaneers' first win in franchise history came against the Saints in New Orleans in 1977 - 33-14 - after Tampa Bay lost 26 straight to start their franchise. Since that time, the Saints have compiled a record of 23-17 versus the Bucs. And with the two teams joining together in the NFC South in 2002, the rivalry continues to grow.


Today, the two teams meet in Tampa on a mission to turn their seasons around. The Buccaneers, with an enormous victory over Kansas City last week, look to win two straight games for the first time since the beginning of last season. The Saints, coming off a much needed bye week, stumble into Raymond James Stadium with a 1-4 record with a desire to improve.

You want to hate him, but you just can't.

The 1-4 record has nothing to do with New Orleans' quarterback, Drew Brees. Brees has been the most consistent player on the Saints' roster for the past few years, and at times is the only consistent player this season. In Week 5 vs. the San Diego Chargers Brees broke Johnny Unitas' record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass at 48 games, coupled with the Saints' first win of the season. Any defense that faces Drew Brees must always be on guard for the pass, because Brees has proven to be an unstoppable force on his best day.

Vilma looks to put a hit on Josh Freeman. ... Too soon?

The problems with the Saints lies in the defense. Torn apart by the bounty scandal, witch has taken starts away from star players such as Jonathan Vilma and has seen others leave, the Saints' defense has been picked apart all season long. They rank 31st in the league in run defense at an abysmal 172.8 yards per game, and 26th in pass defense at 283.2 yards per game. Vilma returns to action today for the first time this season; however, his potential impact has been questioned due the amount of time he has missed. The absence of their star players has hurt the Saints in drastic ways - ways that Schiano is foaming at mouth to take advantage of.

Keys to Victory

 

Run Run Run: The Saints haven't proved that they can stop the run yet, so you can bet that Greg Schiano is planning to do exactly that. With two young powerful backs in Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount, the Buccaneer's running game potentially can have a field day. It all depends on Jonathan Vilma's return. If Vilma can make the plays that made him infamous around the league he could cause a lot of trouble. If the Bucs can establish the running game early, it will make the next key a lot easier.


Keep Brees off the Field: There is only one way to stop Drew Brees - don't let him start. The running game eats up a lot of clock, which is what the Bucs' offense should aim to do when they're on the field. Avoid Brees beating you late in the game by taking time off the clock and away from the Saints' offense. When Brees is on the field, he'll be looking to pass against the Buccaneers' secondary. Look for a turnover or two to put the Buccaneers' offense back on the field, but don't get too risky and let Brees beat you deep.


Josh Freeman: Brees will put points on the board, so it's up to the offense to match Brees. Freeman had an excellent week against Kansas City, throwing for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns. He will have to pass if the Bucs are looking up at the Saints on the scoreboard during the game. If Freeman can find the consistency today that Buccaneers fans have been waiting to see against a Saints pass defense that hasn't performed well this season, the Saints could be playing catchup to the Bucs.

Bucco Bruce in all his glory.

After the win last week, Buccaneers fans are the most excited they have been for the team in a long time. Raymond James Stadium will be packed, and the game will be on television locally for the first time in a year. The Buccaneers will be wearing their old "creamsicle" jerseys and Bucco Bruce will be on full display as Tampa Bay honors its roots during today's game. This excitement should create a home-field advantage that the Buccaneers haven't experienced in a long time, which I believe should give the edge to Tampa Bay. If this game was at the Superdome, I'd pick the Saints, but I predict the Bucs will hold the Saints off in a close match up that will create even more excitement in the Tampa Bay area.


John Michael's Prediction: 

Tampa Bay wins 28 - 24