Sunday’s game, meeting for the 3rd time this season, will be between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. These teams both finished the top of their division for NFC South, the Saints placing first with a record of 12-4 (postseason now 13-4) and Buccaneers finishing right behind them at 11-5 (postseason 12-5).
The first time they met, New Orleans won by 11 points taking home their first win of the season in a 34-23 victory. The second time they met, the Saints dominated the field, crushing the Buccaneers 38-3. Heading into Sunday’s game, many are predicting another win for the Saints.
Regardless of the Buccaneers’ losses earlier in the season, they are not out of the running yet. Everyone is hoping for Brady to pull them out of this funk against the Saints.
ESPN writer Jeremy Willis wrote, “Brady has six rings, MVPs, honors, parades, and accolades.” Others have eyes on wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to be Brady’s constant beck and call to put significant points up for their team.
Brees’ consistency all season should not go unnoticed; he helped his team to the top of their division and No.2 seed. Michales said, “Brees has the heart, grit, and passion many average men desire. He owns the historic passing records…,” about his hard work and dedication. The Buccaneers defense needs to be on high alert; Brees will be hitting the ball to wide receiver Michael Thomas. The Saints announced that veteran D.J. Swearinger, just released off the Covid-19 list, is going to be back this upcoming game.
Each team has reported injuries going into Sunday. Saints Defensive End Trey Hendrickson is questionable for return, and Wide Receiver Tre’Quan Smith is on the injury reserve list. The Buccaneers also have linebacker Kevin Minter officially out due to Covid, while guard Alex Cappa is out for the rest of this postseason play due to an ankle injury.
As a result, fans are hoping for a closer result and an exciting matchup between the two rivals. Their hopes set on both star quarterbacks for the teams to take their team to the next round. This is the first time that 2 starting quarterbacks will begin an NFL game over 42 years of age. Brady turned 43 on August 7th, and Brees turns 42 one day before the big game.
The game, set to be played at Mercedes –Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, kickoff is at 6:40 p.m. and broadcast on FOX.
