The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into New Orleans looking to take down the Saints in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Saints have bested the Buccaneers in the first two matchups, but this rejuvenated offense has something to say about it.
Here is the full recap of Buccaneers at Saints.
Quarter One
The Buccaneers receive the first half kickoff, but the offense goes three and out after an overthrow to Rob Gronkowski.
And just like that, the Buccaneers start to unravel with a huge return by Deonte Harris, and a helmet to helmet hit by Jordan Whitehead.
Luckily, the Buccaneers are able to force a field goal in the red zone after a good play by Carlton Davis III.
Tampa Bay goes three and out once again after a sack on Tom Brady. Deonte Harris takes this punt return to the house, but a block in the back takes it off the board.
Jason Pierre-Paul gets a huge deflection on third down forcing another field goal, the Saints still lead 6-0.
Score 6-0 Saints
Quarter Two
The Buccaneers put together a good drive, but are stopped inside the 10-yard line. Ryan Succop connects on a 26-yard field goal to give Tampa Bay their first points of the night.
Sean Murphy-Bunting is having the game of his life, intercepting Drew Brees to set up a Mike Evans touchdown. The Buccaneers lead 10-6 with 11:16 left.
On a trick play with Jameis Winston in the game, the former Buccaneers quarterback hits Tre’Quan Smith for a touchdown to give the Saints a 13-10 lead.
With under two minutes remaining, Chris Godwin drops a dime from Brady in the end zone that would have resulted in six…
Ryan Succop is able to connect on a field goal to make the score 13-13 going into halftime.
Score: 13-13 Tie
Quarter Three
The Saints start with the football and drive with ease down the field. Carlton Davis goes down due to injury and Ross Cockrell is immediately picked on with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tre’Quan Smith.
On third down, Tom Brady throws a near interception, forcing another punt. A Saints score here could be trouble for Tampa Bay.
BALL’S OUT! Antoine Winfield forces the turner, recovered by Devin White to the Saints 40-yard line.
On third and five, Leonard Fournette catches a bullet from Brady for six. The Buccaneers even the score 20-20.
Score: 20-20 Tie
Quarter Four
What a beautiful play by Ross Cockrell to force a Saints punt. Can Tom Brady give the Buccaneers the lead for the first time in the second half?
Scotty Miller has been the best deep ball receiver for Tampa Bay all season, and he proves it once again with a huge 29 yard gain on third down.
Ryan Succop kicks a field goal to give the Buccaneers a 23-20 lead.
DEVIN WHITE CAME TO PLAY! He intercepts the ball and brings it back to the 20-yard line in Saints territory with less than seven minutes remaining.
The quarterback sneak king Tom Brady punches it in himself to gives the Buccaneers a 30-20 lead with less than 5 minutes remaining.
Lavonte David and Mike Edwards come up BIG! After a deflection by David, Edwards gets the pick off Brees with four minutes remaining.
Can you smell the Green Bay air yet?
Leonard Fournette converts on third down, and the Buccaneers can line up in victory formation and ride to the NFC Championship game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers for the second time this season in the NFC Championship game in Green Bay next Sunday.
