Let’s take a look at this matchup from the other perspective
The Buccaneers wrap up their regular season on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in a game they hope will crown them NFC South champions for the fourth straight season. All they need is a win against New Orleans to clinch the division.
However, this is the NFL and while the Bucs may be heavily favored, anything can happen on any given Sunday. To give us a close look at the Saints, we sat down with Nic Jennings of Canal Street Chronicles to preview this one.
1. A lot of things have changed for the Saints since the last time these two teams faced off. What went wrong for New Orleans this season and is this something that can be a quick fix or is it likely a long rebuild?
“After the opening two weeks of the season, the vibes were high, and expectations had risen. But New Orleans had yet to suffer one of the more detrimental waves of injuries I’ve seen in quite some time. Nonetheless, injuries are no excuse for the poor coaching and execution that dug them into their current 5-11 hole.
Unfortunately, while the long-overdue firing of Dennis Allen provided a much-needed spark for the Saints, it was evidently too late. The seven-game losing streak to close out his tenure as head coach set the team back immensely.
As for how long it’ll take for the Saints to get back on their feet, I’d expect it to take a couple of years. This roster has so many gaps that it’s nearly impossible to address them all in one offseason. However, if they can start nailing draft picks—something that’s been an issue recently for New Orleans—they could speed up the rebuild process. That said, I wouldn’t anticipate a complete and total rebuild taking place as long as GM Mickey Loomis remains in charge.”
2. With not much on the line for the Saints, all the pressure will be on Tampa. Who is one under the radar player who could come up big for the Saints in this one?
“I’d like to see the Saints give UDFA TE Dallin Holker a shot. He has just one reception on his only target this season. Holker was a beast during his final season at Colorado State, hauling in 64 receptions for 767 yards and 6 touchdowns, along with a number of highlight-worthy plays. Some may recognize him for his viral one-handed catch while running a drill at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images
Juwan Johnson has had plenty of opportunities to take that next step and be the guy for the Saints’ TE room, but he just hasn’t. Foster Moreau has been playing lights out toward the end of the season, but I think it’s important for New Orleans to see some of the younger guys in action while they still have the chance. And if it’s Spencer Rattler at the helm again this week, tight ends have proven to be his favorite targets.”
3. When looking at this matchup, what is one position battle you will be keeping a close eye on?
“I’ll be keeping an eye on how the Saints’ young corners fare against the Bucs’ receivers.
Alontae Taylor has struggled since being moved outside following the trade of Marshon Lattimore. After finally embracing his new role and thriving in the slot, the Saints thought it’d be best to move him back to the position where he played primarily in college, which hasn’t necessarily gone as planned. I’d also like to see a bit more from rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry, though he has still made some impressive plays and shown promise. Maybe even UDFA Rico Payton, who has been stellar on special teams this season but hasn’t really been given a fair chance in defensive sets.
If New Orleans can enter the upcoming NFL Draft feeling confident about their corners, it could allow them to address other needs.”
4. Finish this sentence, the Saints upset the Bucs if __
“…Tampa Bay forgets how to play football.
Look, it’s no secret the Saints are not a good football team. Bucs fans witnessed this firsthand when Sean Tucker ran for 136 yards and 2 TDs on 14 carries against the Saints in Week 6. New Orleans still has one of the worst run defenses in the league, allowing the second-highest YPC with an average of 4.9 yards per attempt and ranking third in 20+ yard runs given up with 16. The Saints’ offense has also managed just 10 points over the past two weeks, while the Buccaneers have scored 72.
Realistically, I don’t see a scenario in which New Orleans pulls this one off, especially with Tampa Bay playing for a postseason berth. Then again, this is the National Football League, and you never know who will come out on top come game day.”
5. The odds makers are big fans of Tampa Bay this weekend, having them as a 14 point favorite currently. How do you see this one shaking out and what is your score prediction?
“I see this one playing out similarly to last week’s matchup between the Bucs and the Carolina Panthers, which is why I’m going with Tampa Bay over New Orleans on Sunday afternoon. 34-10 is my final score prediction.”
Thanks so much to Nic for doing this!