Big Easy Win: Buccaneers 23-Saints 3

If you’re a fan of defense than this was a masterpiece. The Bucs Defense scored the games first TD on an Interception by Anthony Nelson. They were robbed of two more defensive scores by Antoine Winfield Jr. but thankfully they didn’t need those points today.

The Saints offense was so bad that they eventually turned to their back up QB but he didn’t fare any better than their starter.

Offensively this game wasn’t a work of art but.  They had 1st and goal at the 1 yard line but couldn’t punch it in. Then later in the game they had the exact same scenario but managed to finally get a TD on 4th down. It’s clear that they need the bye week to do some self scouting. Specifically they need to find the 5 best lineman to get the job done because Baker Mayfield has been hit far too often these last 2 games. Today he didn’t attempt one run.

But let’s focus on the positives. During the off season, Todd Bowles said he wanted to see his team create more turnovers.  The Bucs have 6 turnovers in their past 2 games. They also are doing a better job of getting to the QB and are playing much better in the secondary.

The trade deadline comes while the Bucs are on their bye, so the health of certain position groups (WR, OLB, ) could play a huge role in determining whether they make a trade or stand pat.

Today a 1 win Dolphins team beat a Falcons team in their crib, a 2 win Texans team beat the 49ers and a winless Jets team beat the Bengals.  Winning is not easy.  I’ll never nitpick about how pretty a win was.

My advice is, use this week to appreciate what the team has accomplished  despite the amount of injuries they’ve dealt with. Enjoy the bye week, I know my cardiologist and I will