What We Learned From the Saints In Week 17

With their backs against the wall, the Saints put together a strong performance to keep their season alive for at least one more week.

TAMPA -- The Saints looked like more the team that we had hoped to see all season on Sunday. While it wasn't perfect, they played a fairly complete game to beat the Bucs 23-13 in a very convincing division win. New Orleans moved to 8-8 after the win, which sets up a really interesting final week of the regular season. Here's several things we learned about the Saints from Week 17.

What We Learned From the Saints In Week 17

Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) celebrates after he scores a touchdown over vTampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

THE SAINTS ARE STILL ALIVE, DIVISION DOWN TO WEEK 18

New Orleans avoided being eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday by negating the Bucs from a third straight division title, which sets up an interesting Week 18. Everyone but the Panthers are still in the mix for the NFC South crown going into next weekend. Here's a brief rundown on what needs to happen for each team.

• Bucs - Beat the Panthers
• Saints - Beat the Falcons, Panthers beat the Bucs
• Falcons - Beat the Saints, Panthers beat the Bucs

Now, the Wild Card is still in play, but it's going to take some help here. Saints would need to beat the Falcons and see the Seahawks lose to the Steelers and Cardinals while whoever wins out of the Packers and Vikings would need to lose in Week 18. Things could still not go in favor of the Saints, but we'll see. 

There's no word on what day or time the Falcons-Saints game will be either. It could be on Saturday and we'll just have to wait on the NFL to put out the TBD schedule.

ALVIN KAMARA HAS A SPRAINED ANKLE

The Saints lost three players due to injury on Sunday, with the main one focusing on Alvin Kamara. Dennis Allen said after the game that he's dealing with a sprained ankle. The good news is that he tried to come back, but was unable to. We'll see where his status is for Week 18. 

New Orleans also lost Nephi Sewell and Landon Young to knee injuries, and Sewell's is considered a significant one, while Young's injury is in the same knee from training camp. Cameron Erving was a late one, but he just had cramps.

JUWAN JOHNSON LOOKED LIKE THE PLAYER WE SAW IN TRAINING CAMP

It was a killer day for Johnson, who finished with a career-high 8 catches for 90 yards and a score on 12 targets. Johnson overcame a shoulder injury and was able to make a huge impact for the Saints offense on the day. It was certainly a tight end's type of day for Derek Carr and company with Johnson and Taysom Hill leading the way in the receiving department. 

Johnson said afterwards that he got challenged by Dennis Allen following the Lions game, and we're seeing more of the player we thought we'd see all year. It's his third straight game with a touchdown.

Saints vs. Bucs: NFL Week 17 Live Updates and Notes

SEVERAL PLAYERS STEPPED UP IN A BIG WAY

Naturally, injuries are a part of the game, which means you're going to have to rely on some other players to get the job done. Jamaal Williams had a really nice finish to things without Kamara in the picture, and Cameron Erving and the offensive line did a nice job protecting Derek Carr. 

Carr said afterwards that the sack was on him. Even fullback Adam Prentice earned a little bit of redemption after converting a big 3rd Down play on the ground. 

On the defensive side, it's one thing to get sacks, but four turnovers are always a great thing. Alontae Taylor responded tremendously after his benching against the Rams to get the first official interception of his career. 

Johnathan Abram got the start over Jordan Howden due to him dealing with an illness earlier in the week, and he ended up picking off Baker Mayfield while also forcing a key fumble. He's a great story and it's always nice to see those type of players show up in a big way when it is needed in the worst way.