Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2, 2-0): Bucs stay on top of the division with bounce-back win
Tampa Bay was able to bounce back after a brutal Monday Night Football loss to the Lions last week. Baker Mayfield and crew took care of business in the Big Easy, taking down divisional opponent, New Orleans, 23-3.
It was an off day for an offense that lost its heartbeat last week, Mike Evans, to a broken collarbone. Mayfield had his lowest production of the season thus far, finishing 15-24 for 152 yards. Tampa Bay's offense converted a mere 3-13 on third down and had four shots from the 1-yard line on goal-to-go, only to be stuffed each time.
"Wins are great. They are very hard to come by in this league," Mayfield said after the win. "But we have to be better on offense."
The Bucs defense ensured the game was well in hand, though, and after a scoreless first quarter, it was the defense that got the scoring started. Outside linebacker Anthony Nelson, in his first start of the season in place of the injured Haason Reddick, tipped a Spencer Rattler pass to himself deep in Saints territory, and practically waltzed in for the 3-yard interception return for a touchdown.