Tampa Bay Buccaneers face NFC South rivals New Orleans Saints - NFL Preview
Two National Football Conference (NFC) South rivals face-off on Sunday when the New Orleans Saints face Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium.
This is a big game for both sides and especially for the New Orleans Saints who finally ended their four-game losing run in week five with a 31-24 victory over the San Diego Chargers before heading into the bye-week.
The Saints have had one of the worst starts to the season in recent years but will now be confident of pushing forward from their one victory this season.
Defence will be the key for New Orleans as it will have to contend with a resurgent Buccaneers offence which crushed Kansas City Chiefs 38-10 in week six.
Although New Orleans defence gave a good account of itself in the second half against San Diego, the Saints have the worst defence in the National Football League (NFL) this year allowing the opposition 456 yards average per game.
Safety Roman Harper though expressed confidence and said that this team is on the cusp of greatness.
He said:
"We're still very confident. Nothing has really changed. I understand we lost some games, but you can't let them see you sweat. We understand we're right on the cusp of greatness. We just have to go out there and achieve it."
Offensively though the New Orleans Saints have delivered throughout the season with quarterback, Drew Brees continuing his remarkable form.
The quarterback passed for four touchdowns against the Chargers while also breaking the NFL record for 48 consecutive games with a touchdown.
If Brees continues to perform like he does and the defence holds of Tampa Bay then the Saints will be favourites for the win.
However, Tampa Bay will not make things easy.
Under new coach Greg Schiano, the Bucs are a completely different animal to the one from last season.
Tampa Bay’s offence is performing exceedingly well and delivered an exceptional performance against the Chiefs in which quarterback Josh Freeman passed for 328 yards for three touchdowns.
Speaking to the media Freeman said that Tampa Bay has the talent to achieve big things this year.
He said:
"We've got the talent, we've got the pieces, we just have to go out and play. We know who we are and you just have to continue to work, continue to prepare like we've been preparing."
Both these teams will be looking for victory but the Buccaneers will have a shade advantage playing on their home turf and will give the Saints a torrid time.
It is tough to decide the winner but the gut feeling goes with the Buccaneers who will be relishing the chance to test and probe the Saints struggling defence.
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