Bucs Gameday

LIVE UPDATES: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) look for the first divisional win of 2023 as they head to the Caesars Superdome to take on the New Orleans Saints (2-1). Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr will be suiting up after being questionable throughout the week with a shoulder injury.

SI Editorial

In this story:

Buccaneers vs. Saints Pregame:

Bucs Inactives:

— LB SirVocea Dennis, CB Jamel Dean, CB Derek Pitts, OLB Markees Watts, OL Brandon Walton, TE Payne Durham, and DL Calijah Kancey. 

Saints Inactives:

— CB Paulson Adebo, S Jordan Howden, QB Jake Luton, TE Foster Moreau, WR A.T. Perry, DE Kyle Phillips, and G Cesar Ruiz.

READ MORE: How To Watch Buccaneers Vs. Saints

First Quarter:

— (9:20): The Saints started with the football on their own 25 after the Buccaneers won the toss and deferred.

Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. brought down Alvin Kamara for a loss on his first touch of the season. Derek Carr hit Rashid Shaheed for 12 yards and a first down on the ensuing play on a pass to the outside.

The Saints got tricky early, bringing in Taysom Hill at quarterback. Instead of running, Hill put the ball in the air and found Michael Thomas for 13 yards on his second attempt of the season. Kamara followed that with back-to-back runs to bring up third and short. Carr's attempt fell incomplete on third down but Hill gained enough up the middle on fourth down for a conversion.

A roughing the passer penalty on Mike Greene moved New Orleans to the Tampa Bay 24. The Buccaneers finally responded on a massive tackle for loss for rookie YaYa Diaby to force the Saints into 3rd and 14 and an eventual field goal attempt.

Kicker Blake Grupe connected from 37 yards out to get the Saints on the board first.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 0

— (5:20): A touchback gives Tampa Bay possession at its own 25 for its first drive of the game.

Baker Mayfield threw on the opening snap and hit Mike Evans on the sideline for 18 yards with Marshon Lattimore in coverage. Rachaad White followed that with a four-yard scamper up the middle. That led to a play-action pass as Mayfield rolled out to the opposite side and connected with Chris Godwin to set up third and short. 

The Saints burned their first timeout ahead of the play and a false start on the Buccaneers moved the offense back into a 3rd and 6. Mayfield dropped back to pass but saw enough of an opening to scramble for enough yardage to net a first down, advancing the offense over midfield.

A questionable intentional grounding penalty threatened to spoil the drive, sending the Buccaneers into 2nd and 22. A six-yard completion to Cade Otton didn't make things easier on third down. Mayfield ended up checking down to White for ten yards but Todd Bowles ultimately chose to bring out the punting unit.

Jake Camarda's boot traveled 27 yards and went out of bounds at the New Orleans 16.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 0

— (4:24): Tampa Bay's defense came out strong on the second possession of the game. Following an incompletion to start the drive, Antoine Winfield Jr. brought down Taysom Hill after a short game before pressure forced an inaccurate pass on third down.

The three-and-out quickly got the ball back to the Buccaneers after a 36-yard punt from Lou Hedley. A holding penalty on the play gave Tampa Bay possession at its own 37.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 0

— (3:34): A short run by White and an incompletion downfield due to pressure from the Saints brought up a fast third down for the Buccaneers. Mayfield stayed in the pocket and delivered a throw over the middle and was nearly intercepted by Lonnie Johnson Jr.

A three-and-out of their own resulted in a 41-yard punt by Camarda to the New Orleans 19.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 0

SECOND QUARTER:

— (14:17): The early offensive struggles for both sides continued in this game as Carr's pass on the outside fell incomplete. The Saints tried to get back on track on the ground but Kamara was brought down for a short gain to make it 3rd and 7.

That didn't matter as Carr found Kamara for the conversion to keep the drive alive. A holding penalty threatened to put a damper on things as New Orleans was backed up into 1st and 20 from its own 22. Another pass to Kamara got some of the yardage back.

A hard count drew YaYa Diaby offsides on the ensuing play, making it 2nd and 7. Carr hit Shaheed near the sideline on the next snap to earn the Saints a first down.

Two short passes to Kamara and Kendre Miller followed by an incompletion forced the Saints to punt for the second time. Hedley's kick traveled 36 yards and was downed at the Tampa Bay 13.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 0

— (5:19): Starting the drive at their own 13-yard line, the Buccaneers seemed to be getting in some fort of an offensive rhythm. Short passes and run calls were working for them early in the drive.

After getting some momentum, Mayfield connected with Evans for an 18-yard gain. As thing seemed to be picking up, a short run and pass miscue from Chris Godwin to Trey Palmer stalled the drive. In a 3rd and 7 situation, Mayfield scrambled for a first down, extending the drive. 

On 3rd and 7, once again, Evans drew a pass interference on Lattimore, extending the drive even further. 

White received a short pass from Mayfield, which he took to the goal line to put the Buccaneers in scoring position. It took a couple plays and a short loss of yards, but Mayfield eventually found Cade Otton on a four-yard touchdown, the first time either team saw the end zone in this matchup.

A personal foul on Mayfield on the final play of the drive also benefited the Buccaneers on the following drive.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 7

— (2:06): With the personal foul taking place before the kickoff, the Buccaneers were able to force the Saints to start their drive at their own 12 yard line. 

After picking up just one first down, an eventual sack by Antoine Winfield would put the Saints in a position to punt the ball back to the Buccaneers, who would get one final chance to score before halftime. 

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 7

— (0:41): The Buccaneers put together consistent positive plays to get the offense near mid-field. With just about a minute remaining in the half, Mayfield connected with Deven Thompkins for a 26-yard gain, landing them at the Saints' 29 yard line.

White ran for a big gain to take the Buccaneers well into the red zone, but Trey Palmer got hit with a holding call. Fortunately for them, Mayfield found Godwin near a first down, getting out of bounds to stop the clock.

However, on the very next play, Mayfield was intercepted by Isaac Yiadom. Godwin would have been flagged if caught anyways, as he stepped out of bounds. It was a poor throw from Mayfield, who didn't put enough air on the ball. 

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 7

— (0:22): On the interception, Diadem was pulled into the end zone, but his foot was at the one yard line when he caught the ball. The Saints placed the ball on their own one yard line. 

Immediately, though, the Buccaneers took the ball right back. Winfield, who made a huge sack a few drives back, came up with a fumble recovery, lost by Adam Prentice.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 7

— (0:19): After a couple of huge turnovers, Mayfield found Trey Palmer in the end zone, tallying a one-yard touchdown. After a poor turnover, Mayfield made up for his mistake getting a touchdown as the half is closing out. 

The Buccaneers picked up offensive momentum later in the first half, and the turnover could have been a crucial turning point in this game, but ultimately didn't matter as the defense pulled through. 

The back-to-back turnovers ended up going in favor of the Buccaneers, who also receive the ball in the second half and suddenly control the game. 

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 14

— (0:00): The Saints weren't in a position to do much with the ball as they took a knee and took the game into halftime. 

THIRD QUARTER:

— (13:07): The end of the first half created a huge opportunity for the Bucaneers, with the potential of going up 21-3 to start the second half.

Instead, Mayfield was sacked on third down to force them into a punt, giving the Saints an opportunity to find their way right back into this game. The Buccaneers opened the half with two short gains before the sack, showing none of the offensive momentum built in the first half.

There was an unsportsmanlike conduct and holding on the original punt, and the Buccaneers then had a chance to re-punt.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 14

— (11:30): Getting the ball down 11 points, Rashid Shaheed returned the punt for 29 yards, getting the Saints near mid-field to begin their drive. With an offense that hasn't found much traction, the Saints were facing a big drive.

Shaq Barrett sacked Carr on the first play of the drive, but he was flagged for a face mask. Winfield had Barrett's back, though, as he tackled Kamara for a loss of six yards, which was made possible by good run defense by Barrett.

The Saints were facing 3rd and 16 after a missed deep ball, and Carr nearly had Chris Olave in the end zone, but Winfield had the pass break up. Winfield's efforts have created a big, timely impact all game. This forced a Saints punt. 

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 14

— (8:08): The Buccaneers started off the drive heavy in the run game, as Mayfield scrambled for a few yards. White and Ke'Shawn Vaughn traded touches until the Buccaneers came short of a first down on 3rd and one. 

Mayfield and the offense tried to get the Saints defense to jump offsides on 4th and one, but took a delay of game and punted back to the Saints.

The offensive game has been less than desirable for the Buccaneers to start the second half, which has given the Saints a couple opportunities to strike their way back into the game.

SCORE: New Orleans 3, Tampa Bay 14

— (0:49): Though the Saints have struggled to move the ball the entire game, they're finally getting things going. Kamara had a few solid runs and Carr had some short completions to get the ball well past mid-field. 

The drive stalled out right around the red zone. Eventually, the Saints had to settle for a field goal, which gets this game within one score. Given how easily they moved the ball to begin the drive, it's surprising they were unable to capitalize in the end zone.

Blake Grupe nailed the 32-yard field goal, the team's second made one of the game.

SCORE: New Orleans 6, Tampa Bay 14

FOURTH QUARTER:

— (13:31): On the second play of the drive after the Buccaneers started the drive at their own 25 yard line, Mayfield found Godwin deep for a 32 yard gain, getting the ball across mid-field. Mayfield continues to look good, as he would be having an incredible game if it wasn't for the interception late in the first half.

On 2nd and 15 at the Saints' 45, Mayfield scrambled to make it 3rd and 5 and potentially in makable field goal range, but Thompkins was flagged for a false start. On 3rd and 10, Mayfield scrambled once again to make it 4th and 3. 

Chase McLaughlin cashed in on a 51-yard field goal to extend the Buccaneers' lead a two score lead. 

Though the Buccaneers could have come away with much more on the drive, Mayfield covered up some of the hiccups with his scrambling ability, which is a good sign to see for Buccaneers fans who didn't see that the last few seasons.

SCORE: New Orleans 6, Tampa Bay 17

— (8:29): With their backs against the wall on the drive, Carr converted a 3rd and 12 situation with a pass to Michael Thomas for 20 yards. This helped them push the ball onto the Buccaneers' side of the field.

The Saints should have been facing a 3rd and nine situation, but Christian Izien was flagged for holding, giving the Saints a much-needed boost on the drive.

With a fresh set of downs, the Buccaneers defense pulled through and forced a 4th and ten situation. The Saints had to settle for a field goal once again, making the game a one-possession game like they did last time.

Group hit the 44-yard field goal, cashing in for the third time of the game as the Saints continue to fail to put a full drive together.

A big drive for the Buccaneers is upcoming. 

SCORE: New Orleans 9, Tampa Bay 17

— (3:44): The Buccaneers put up a few short gains and were facing a 3rd and five situation, but Mayfield remained poised and converted on a quick pass to Thompkins for a first down.

The third down conversion got Mayfield and the passing game in rhythm, with Godwin receiving a 12-yard pass right to pick up another first down. However, two short runs would put the Buccaneers in a threatening position once again on third down.

On 3rd and seven, Mayfield hit Godwin, who picked up the first down and more. Godwin picked up 42 yards on the play. There was a holding call on the defense, but was declined following the big game.

In a goal to go scenario, the Buccaneers fell short twice. On 3rd and goal, Mayfield had more than enough time to get the ball to Thompkins, who caught a close touchdown to extend the Buccaneers' lead even further. This was his first career touchdown catch, too.

The Buccaneers went for two to try and push their lead even further, but failed to convert.

This drive certainly felt like it was the one that ended the game. The Saints would almost get the stop, but Mayfield would come through and convert. With so little time and much needed from the Saints offense, it's hard to imagine the Buccaneers don't come away with a victory.

SCORE: New Orleans 9, Tampa Bay 23

— (3:29): With their backs more than against the wall, the Saints had an opportunity to potentially spark an incredible comeback. 

As expected, the Saints tried to air the ball out to try and pick up big yardage and move the ball quickly. A misfire and dropped ball forced a 3rd and ten situation to start the drive. They then saw another incomplete pass.

The Saints, with one last effort in this game, faced a 4th and ten situation. Vita Vet forced a fumble on a sack, recovered by Logan Hall. The Buccaneers got another takeaway, which felt like the official dagger in the game.

SCORE: New Orleans 9, Tampa Bay 23

— (2:24): Starting the drive in the red zone wasn't ideal for the Buccaneers' clock management, but it's also not a negative thing by any means. The Buccaneers forced the Saints to use all of their timeouts before the two-minute warning.

The Saints stopped the Buccaneers on 3rd and one, but they kicked the field goal to extend their lead once again. McLaughlin chipped in the 28-yard field goal, his second made field goal of the game.

SCORE: New Orleans 9, Tampa Bay 26

— (2:14): Jamies Winston took Carr's place to try and air the ball out. There was a holding call on the first play of the drive, but it wouldn't matter as Dee Delaney came up with an interception, which he also did just a week ago.

SCORE: New Orleans 9, Tampa Bay 26

— (0:00): Having used their timeouts on the defensive possession prior, the Buccaneers picked up just one first down on a penalty after the two-minute warning and ran the clock out until the game came to a finish.

Final: New Orleans 9, Tampa Bay 26

The Buccaneers advance to 3-1 on the season with a huge NFC South win over the New Orleans Saints. Between takeaways and getting off the field quickly, the defense absolutely showed up and showed out in this one for the Todd Bowles-led Buccaneers.

Mayfield and the offense did their part, too, stringing 26 points on a very solid defense. He finished with 246 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception while completing 25 of his 32 passes in the game.  

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