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Saints at Buccaneers: Highlights, score and recap

By John Buhler

Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) rushes as New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) blocks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) rushes as New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) blocks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers survive a tight one at home to the division rival New Orleans Saints, 16-11. Tampa Bay improves to 8-5 on the season, while New Orleans drops to 5-8 on the year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep the streak alive, by winning their fifth straight game. Tampa Bay’s defense is coming alive under new defensive coordinator Mike Smith, as the Buccaneers stifle their NFC South rival New Orleans Saints, 16-11 on Sunday evening.

The Buccaneers took a 13-8 lead over the Saints into halftime. Tampa Bay’s defense limited Saints quarterback Drew Brees to only 96 passing yards and an interception in the first half. Running back Doug Martin had a first-half rushing touchdown and kicker Roberto Aguayo had seven points to give Tampa Bay a slim five-point lead heading into the second half.

This one really was a battle of field position with so many field goals. Wil Lutz had three for the Saints, as did Aguayo for the Buccaneers. The Martin touchdown run was ultimately the difference. He was tackled for a safety to give the Saints the two other points.

New Orleans was driving late in the fourth quarter. Saints quarterback Drew Brees was picked off by Keith Tandy to end the ball game. Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston would run out the clock with a couple of kneels to end the game.

Tampa Bay is tied atop the NFC South at 8-5 with the Atlanta Falcons. Could the NFC be having both NFC South teams in the NFC Playoffs? Atlanta throttled the Saints and Tampa Bay is on fire. This was a game that Tampa Bay would have lost other years, but the 2016 Buccaneers are absolutely a different bunch under first-year head coach Dirk Koetter.

Three Stars

  1. Keith Tandy: Tandy led the Buccaneers with nine tackles, eight solo, and one for a loss of yardage. He would have three passes defended, including the game-sealing interception of Brees.
  2. Roberto Aguayo: Aguayo made all three of his field attempts for a long of 41 and a made PAT. He was responsible for 10 of the Buccaneers’ 16 points on Sunday.
  3. Doug Martin: Martin had 23 carries for 66 yards and a rushing touchdown. He also had two catches for 19 receiving yards.

Next Game

The Saints’ next game will be on the road against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. Kickoff from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale will be at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 18 and the game will be televised on FOX.

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The Buccaneers have a brutal road game coming up in Week 15. They have to travel to Arlington to play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium will be at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 18 and NBC has the primetime telecast.

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