NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Saints return home Sunday when they host the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Caesars Superdome.
The Saints (1-6) have struggled to find rhythm on offense, averaging fewer than 18 points per game. Quarterback Spencer Rattler continues to search for consistency behind an offensive line that’s battled protection issues.
Tampa Bay (5-2) enters the game atop the division despite losing two key offensive playmakers — wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Bucky Irving — to injury week.
For the Saints, protecting the football and slowing the Buccaneers’ front seven will be critical. Defensively, New Orleans must pressure Tampa Bay quarterback, Baker Mayfield and take advantage of the Buccaneers’ depleted offense.
The Saints have dropped five of the last six meetings with Tampa Bay, including both matchups last season.
The Saints’ opening drive ended abruptly after an early turnover.
With 12:25 remaining in the first quarter, quarterback Spencer Rattler scrambled up the middle for a 7-yard gain to the Tampa Bay 34. As he was brought down by Anthony Nelson and SirVocea Dennis, Rattler lost control of the ball.
Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David recovered the fumble at the Tampa Bay 32-yard line, giving Tampa possession and halting New Orleans’ momentum early in the game.
Neither team was able to get much offense going the rest of the first quarter or much of the second quarter.
The Buccaneers held the ball for 17 plays to start the second quarter before getting stopped at the goal line and turning the ball over on downs.
A Saints turnover turned into immediate points for Tampa Bay midway through the second quarter.
With 6:41 remaining in the half, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler’s short pass to tight end Foster Moreau was intercepted by Buccaneers linebacker Anthony Nelson at the New Orleans 4-yard line. Nelson returned the pick four yards for a touchdown, extending Tampa Bay’s lead.
Another costly turnover halted a promising Saints drive late in the second quarter.
With 1:48 remaining in the half, quarterback Spencer Rattler completed a short pass to Rashid Shaheed, who gained 10 yards but was hit by Tampa Bay cornerback Jamel Dean and fumbled.
Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. recovered the loose ball at the Saints’ 47-yard line, giving Tampa Bay a key takeaway and a short field before halftime.
The Saints’ defense delivered a huge play late in the first half.
With 57 seconds left in the second quarter, defensive end Chase Young sacked Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for an 11-yard loss and forced a fumble on the play, then recovered it himself.
The takeaway set up New Orleans with prime field position and a chance to add points before halftime.
Blake Grupe drilled a 48-yard field goal with one second left in the first half to give the Saints points heading into the locker room.
The Buccaneers punched it in on fourth down to open the second half with a score.
With 10:08 remaining in the third quarter, running back Sean Tucker powered up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 1.
Kicker Chase McLaughlin converted the extra point, extending the Bucs lead 14-3.
Following a Saints punt, McLaughlin drilled a 55-yard field goal with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter, adding three more points for the Buccaneers making their lead 17-3.
Late in the third quarter, the Saints benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler for backup, Tyler Shough.
On his first drive, Shough attempted a short pass to Chris Olave, but Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. intercepted the ball, halting the Saints’ drive and giving Tampa Bay possession in prime field position.
McLaughlin would go on to knock down two more field goals for the Buccaneers giving them an 23-3 lead.
The Saints weren’t able to get any offense going and the 23-3 score remained until the final.
Rattler ended the game 15 for 21 passing for 136 yards and one interception. He was sacked three times.
Shough finished the game throwing 17 for 30 for 128 yards and one interception. He was sacked twice.
The Saints now (1-7) on the year travel to Los Angles to take on the Rams in Week 9 action.
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