Keys To Cannon Fire: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

In this weekly article, we break down what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to do to secure a victory on game day.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to New Orleans for a Week 4 matchup against the Saints with a chance to move to 3-1 on the season before their bye week. Coming off a tough loss to the Eagles Monday night the Bucs are working with a short week to prepare for the divisional tilt. 

There are plenty of storylines between the two teams who have a genuine disdain for one another. Marshon Lattimore vs. Mike Evans, Carlton Davis (if he plays) vs. Michael Thomas, and Cam Jordan vs. the Bucs in general. Not to mention the likelihood of former Buccaneers number one overall draft pick, Jameis Winston, likely to make the start in place of an injured Derek Carr. 

Coming into the season I had this marked as a loss for the Buccaneers. However, the Saints, who were picked by many to run away with the division, haven't looked sharp early on this season. The offense has been sputtering having scored only four offensive touchdowns and the o-line has struggled allowing 12 sacks.

READ MORE: Todd Bowles Calls Out Buccaneers' Running Back After Eagles Loss

While the defense has been sharp and the Superdome remains a difficult place to play, a win looks more attainable than it might've prior to the season especially if they follow this week's Keys to Cannon Fire. 

Get Home With Four

To say the Saints offensive line has been struggling would be an understatement. The pass blocking has been horrendous with 12 sacks allowed and a bottom 10 pass block grade of 57.8 per Pro Football Focus. Ryan Ramczyk, who was one of the best right tackles in all of football in previous seasons, has looked like a shell of himself and New Orleans will now also be without starting center Cesar Ruiz.

The Bucs need to take advantage of the Saints' early season woes and get pressure on whoever is under center on Sunday. While head coach Todd Bowles will still surely send pressure it will be important for the team to get home with their base package likely needing to devote resources to containing Chris Olave. 

Win The Turnover Margin

The winner in these contests between these two teams usually comes down to who can win the turnover margin. Head coach Todd Bowles recently said as much when speaking to the media on Tuesday. 

"When they win the turnover battle, they usually win the ballgame. When we win the turnover battle, usually we come out on top. That’ll be something to watch.”

Something to watch indeed as the Bucs will need to take advantage of whichever quarterback is under center. Carr has already thrown two red zone interceptions this year and Jameis Winston is, well, Jameis Winston. If the Bucs can't make the most of their opportunities when presented they'll likely win this ball game. 

Pass More, Run Less

Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales spoke to the media on Thursday and told reporters that they are aiming for a balance on offense between the pass and run. Canales says he's going to be stubborn with that approach though thinks things will improve with reps.

READ MORE: Former Buccaneers Quarterback Expected to Start Sunday With Saints

"It’s not that we’re just going to run it every time, but in our self-scout up to this point it’s been a good balance, and I think we’ll continue to improve as they get more reps and more rhythm with the runs.”

That's all fine on paper but results matter as well and through three games the Buccaneers have struggled to get anything consistently going in the run game. Especially on first down. If the team struggles to get things going on the ground again in Week 4, Canales will need to realize sooner when to rely more on his passing game which has been better in every aspect for the Bucs this season.

Do you agree with this week's keys to cannon fire? What do you think is most important for the Bucs to secure a win? Tell us in the comments!

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook