A bad team will find a way to lose. That couldn’t be more true for the New Orleans Saints, who lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night 17-16. The loss came after the Saints blew a 16 –3 lead with just five minutes left in the game. With a new record of 4-9 on the season, New Orleans finds themselves at the bottom of the worst division in the NFL.
New Orleans’ Defense and Special Teams Shines
Despite the gut-wrenching loss, there were some bright spots for the Saints. Specifically, the defense and special teams. Though they weren’t able to close out the game, the Saints defense played very well, only allowing the Bucs a field goal through most of the game. The defense was also able to force two turnovers. They forced a fumble in the third quarter but failed to capitalize on the Bucs turnover.
Demario Davis, who was recently named the Saints nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, also had an interception earlier in the game. Despite only having one sack and two tackles for a loss in the box score, the Saints did a good job getting pressure on Bucs quarterback Tom Brady. Safety Marcus Maye was the highlight of the defense with 11 total tackles, including eight solo tackles.
The Saints special teams also shined during the game. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed had several kick returns, including a kickoff return for 30 yards and a big punt return for 42. Long-time place kicker Will Lutz had a perfect day in Tampa Bay. Lutz had three field goal attempts and put all three through the uprights. Though he didn’t get but one chance in Monday night’s game, Lutz has been lights out when it comes to extra points. He is tied for first in the league with 100% of his extra points made this season on 25 attempts. If there is one thing that is consistent for this New Orleans team, it’s excellent field goal kicking.
So Close, but so Far
Saints’ fans have had very few moments where they can feel comfortable this season. But with five minutes left in the game and a 16-3 lead, New Orleans was breathing easy. Maybe too easy. After a few quick strikes to Leonard Fournette and Mike Evans, Bucs quarterback Tom Brady was moving down the field at a rapid pace. TB12 was looking more like he was 30 than 45. Then, the Saints defense made a fatal mistake.
A long ball intended for Mike Evans was at first celebrated as an incomplete pass. But Saints fans soon felt frustration rather than celebration as conner back Paulson Adebo was called for pass interference. It was a costly 44-yard penalty, which gave the Bucs a first down at the one-yard line. Tampa Bay wasted no time cashing in on the opportunity. Brady rolled to his right and quickly found tight end Cade Otton in the endzone. With just three minutes left, the score was 16-10, and the Buccaneers had life.
The Bucs were able to force a New Orleans punt after Bucs safety Keanu Neal made a game-saving play. Neal broke up a first down pass to Taysom Hill that would have almost certainly been the nail in the coffin for the Bucs. Tampa Bay took over with just over two minutes left, and TB12 did exactly what others fear him for. Brady led the Bucs offense down the field and, to the dismay of Saints fans everywhere, connected with Chris Godwin for a five-yard touchdown pass with just 16 seconds left in the game.
The hearts of Saints fans rose once again as the touchdown was waved off after a holding penalty on Tampa Bay. But Tom Brady was still under center and, at 45 years old, he’s still one of the best. In just two quick plays, Brady ripped hope away from Saints fans. Brady hit Rachaad White at the three-yard line. White then turned and fought through defenders to reach over the goal line for a six-yard touchdown to tie the game 16-16. After a made extra point, the Bucs claimed victory, 17-16, much to the delight of the roaring Tamp Bay faithful.
