The Saints offense on Saturday night was a far cry from two weeks ago when they were unable to get things going against Tampa Bay. Perhaps a change of scenery was all they needed as they were able to reduce their NFC South rivals chances of making the playoffs with a 31-24 win.
Late in the first quarter, the Saints were able to get on the board first with Mark Ingram capping off an 11 play drive with a six yard run. The Bucs would tie things up with a pass from Jameis Winston to Cameron Brate early in the second quarter.
It wouldn’t be long though as the Saints would get the lead back thanks to the foot of Will Lutz sending one through the uprights. Lutz would barely get one from 34 yards out through as time expired to give the Saints a 13-7 lead.
The Saints defense would start out strong with a deep pass being picked off by Jairus Byrd and would be taken to the Bucs 14 yard line. The Saints would score on the next play with a 14-yard run from Ingram.
The Buccaneers would respond on the next drive with Jacquizz Rodgers capping off a lengthy 10 play drive with a waltz into the endzone from three yards out. The scoring would continue to come in bunches with the Drew Brees connecting with Travaris Cadet on a short pass that was followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it 28-14.
Tampa Bay would respond late in the third with a quick march down the field with Winston finding Mike Evans in the endzone on a deep ball to make it one possession game. However, the Saints would put the nail in the coffin with a chip shot field goal giving them a 10 point lead.
The Saints (7-8) will wrap up the regular season with a chance to end the season at .500 when they take on the Atlanta Falcons (10-5) with kickoff set for noon.
-Clint Domingue