The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 23-3 on Sunday to improve to 6-2.
If you ask any NFL fan if they would be happy with their team winning by 20 points against a division rival, they would of course take the offer. However, this was a truly ugly win for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite this being the Bucs’ biggest win of the season, this was one of the offense’s worst performances.
After stalling against the Detroit Lions on Monday, I expected a big game from the offense.
That was not the case.
The struggles
The offense did not show up in this game, and Baker Mayfield has looked pedestrian in the past two games. Against the Saints, it was no different.
Mayfield completed only 15 of 24 passes, for just 152 yards, and no touchdowns.
The Bucs’ second drive of the day was symbolic of the whole game.
Despite having a 1st-and-goal at the Saints 1-yard line, the offense failed to convert four times and turned the ball over on downs.
Multiple drives went for negative yards in the first half, with a sprinkling of punts and a fumble.
The first drive of the second half was much better however.
Tampa drove down the field, and once again had a 1st-and-goal at the Saints 1-yard line.
The same almost happened, but this time Tampa managed to punch it in for six points. That was the only offensive touchdown of the game.
Defense stars
Luckily, the offensive woes were covered up by a very strong defensive performance, the best of the season.
On top of allowing just three points in this game, the Tampa defense had four turnovers and five sacks, totally dominating.
One highlight player was Antoine Winfield Jr., who had an absolutely fantastic game. Winfield Jr. had one interception, which he forcefully ripped out of the arms of the receiver as well as recovering a fumble and making six total tackles.
Shoutout also to Anthony Nelson who batted down a pass to himself, and stiff-armed Spencer Rattler for a three-yard Pick Six.
If Tampa can get both defense and offense playing well, there is no reason why they could not go on a big winning run.
With big offensive stars like Chris Godwin Jr. and Bucky Irving still out injured, the Bucs will be happy to rest and recharge this next week on their bye.
Hopefully, coming back out the other side, the Bucs should be ready to take on a tough run of fixtures.
