In what may have been Drew Brees’ final NFL game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave him a generous parting gift.
The Buccaneers (13-5) defense forced four turnovers and picked off Brees three times; they defeated the New Orleans Saints (13-5) 30-20 to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
The Saints only allowed 63 points on takeaways during the regular season but gave up 21 to Tom Brady and Tampa Bay; the Buccaneers converted on all of the Saints’ mistakes. Linebacker Devin White led the way, picking up a fumble in the third quarter and intercepting Brees in the fourth.
With rumors swirling about Brees’ retirement, his potential final NFL game ended familiarly for him and the Saints; they have now lost at home in three straight postseasons.
Bucs defense shines
In a game headlined by two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, the Buccaneers defense stole the show. For that reason, the four turnovers they forced tied for the highest total on the season for them.
Turnovers were not all that stood out for the Buccaneers’ defense, as they held all the Saints stars in-check.
Brees finished with just 134 passing yards, and one touchdown as the secondary kept the throwing lanes small for him. With the passing game in check, Alvin Kamara, rushed 18 times for 85 yards, but failed to find the end zone.
As a result, the Buccaneers held the Saints to just 294 offensive yards, and their 20 points was the lowest point total for the Saints this season.
Brady will attempt to break double-digits in league championships
Of course Tom Brady has been able to continue his postseason dominance with a new team. He finished the game with 199 passing yards, 2 touchdowns through the air, and 1 more on the ground.
Next week, he will attempt to win his 10th league championship, and his first NFC Championship as the Buccaneers take on the Packers. His nine AFC Championships are the most by any individual player and he will try to take that total to double-digits next Sunday.
If Tampa Bay can pull it off, Brady will have his 10th Super Bowl appearance , as well as a chance at his 7th Super Bowl ring. If the Bucs went on to win, Brady and Rob Gronkowski would become two of nine players to win a Super Bowl from both the NFC and the AFC.
The Buccaneers will attempt to make their first Super Bowl appearance since 2002.
UP NEXT
Tampa Bay vs. Green Bay, NFC Championship Game, Sunday, January 24, 3:05 PM ET, FOX
