Saints Passing Game Faces Big Questions Against Buccaneers

New Orleans has the weapons to slice through Tampa Bay coverage, but face questions at quarterback and even bigger issues with pass protection.

The 2-1 New Orleans Saints renew acquaintances with the 2-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Caesars Superdome on Sunday in what has been a contentious rivalry between the teams recently. Both teams are coming off a loss. The Saints lost a 17-point fourth quarter lead in losing on the road to the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay was manhandled at home, 25-11, by the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. 

Saints QB Derek Carr injured his throwing shoulder, a sprained AC joint, on a sack against the Packers. Most seemed to think he'd miss at least a few weeks. However, Carr returned to practice in limited capacity on Friday. He's officially listed as questionable and could even be a game time decision. If Carr can't go, then former Buccaneer Jameis Winston will take the helm against his former team.

Whoever plays quarterback will have to contend with a Tampa Bay defense that ranks 22nd in total yardage, but is extremely disruptive to opposing quarterbacks. New Orleans quarterbacks will also have to deal with a major issue on their own team, despite the return of one of the league's most dynamic playmakers. 

Saints Passing Attack vs. Buccaneers Pass Defense 

Tampa Bay Pass Defense 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (12). Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers rank 24th in pass defense after three weeks. They've allowed an average of 256 yards per game and 65.5% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks while surrendering four touchdown throws but intercepting five passes.

Tampa Bay will be without one of their two starting cornerbacks with Jamel Dean (neck/shoulder) ruled out for Sunday. Their other top corner, Carlton Davis, is listed as questionable with a toe injury. The physical Davis has six interceptions and has allowed 58% completion rate when targeted over his six-year career.

Athletic Zyon McCollum usually plays in the slot, but will probably take one starting job. Undrafted rookie Christian Ixien, who leads the team with two interceptions, will likely take on the lead slot role and see more coverage responsibilities. Dee Delaney is also sure to see more reps.

Antoine Winfield Jr. is one of the league's finest safeties. He's capable of taking on slot duties, but is most dangerous as a deep safety with his outstanding range and instincts. Veteran Ryan Neal has playmaking ability, but can also be a liability against athletic tight ends. 

The Buccaneers have arguably the league's most athletic pair of inside linebackers. Lavonte David is an outstanding defender whether in man coverage, zone duties, or blitzing quarterbacks. Devin White continues to struggle with his instincts in coverage, but is a highly athletic player and extremely disruptive blitzer. 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay brings a fierce pass rush that can alter a game, especially along the edge.  Outside LBs Shaq Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are each explosive players with underrated power. 

Tryon-Shoyinka, a first-round pick in 2021, already has two sacks and four QB hits. He had four sacks in each of his first two seasons, but a combined 49 pressures. Barrett, coming off a torn Achilles last season, has a sack and a team-high six pressures so far.

Intense inside pressure can also be brought by NT Vita Vea, who has 1.5 sacks after a career-high 6.5 in 2022. A big-bodied athlete who typically beats multiple blockers, Vea is dealing with a pectoral injury but should still suit up. Reliable veteran William Gholston and 2022 second-round choice Logan Hall are the ends on a thin line, with Greg Gaines likely getting more reps if Vea is limited. 

New Orleans Passing Game 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) looks to pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) looks on. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

To the surprise of most, Derek Carr practiced for the first time this week in a limited capacity on Friday. Carr has completed 65.5% of his throws for 636 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions so far. He's also been sacked 11 times in 11 quarters of play and is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. It's possible that he suits up, but only as an emergency quarterback. 

If that's the case, then nine-year veteran Jameis Winston will get his first start in over a year against his former team. Winston put the team in position for the game-winning field goal attempt last week. He doesn't go through progressions or read defenses as quickly as Carr, but is a fierce competitor with a tremendous arm and big play potential. 

Taysom Hill also figures to have an impact behind center. Hill is more of a rushing threat when he lines up behind center and has attempted just one pass this season. He's also started 10 games for the Saints at quarterback and could still keep defenses off balance with his arm.

Whoever lines up at quarterback must get better protection from the offensive line, which has been a group of human turnstiles for opposing pass rushers. Opponents have sacked New Orleans quarterbacks 12 times, registered 20 QB hits, and 28 pressures so far.

Second-year LT Trevor Penning has made some progress and was arguably the team’s best lineman out of a putrid group against Green Bay. New Orleans still often shifts an extra blocker to Penning's side in passing situations, which has left them shorthanded to pick up extra interior rushers at times. 

Starting RG Cesar Ruiz (concussion) has been ruled out. That means that James Hurst will flip to the right side as former starter Andrus Peat returns at left guard. All three inside spots, including C Erik McCoy, have been helpless against inside twists and stunts. This is a coaching issue, but also on McCoy to make the correct line calls and to give proper help to the right position. 

Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk hasn't even been a shadow of the elite blocker we saw over his first six seasons. Ramczyk once used to dominate even elite pass rushers, but now gets routinely beaten even by journeymen over his inside shoulder and around the edge. 

New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

If Saints passers actually get time, they'll have a bevy of weapons to target. Wideouts Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed have combined for 49 receptions and 620 yards so far, over 83% of the team's yardage production. 

Olave has led the way with 22 catches and 302 yards. The 2022 first round pick is a big-play threat, but also an excellent route runner capable of spectacular catches. Olave is a huge part of the attack and is quickly developing into one of the league's elite wideouts. 

A healthy Michael Thomas has added an extra dimension to the offense. Thomas has 18 receptions for 166 yards so far. His physical play and elite route precision allows him to dominate defensive backs through the intermediate areas. Shaheed (9-152 yards, one touchdown) is a lethal deep threat, but also an underrated route runner who's earned Carr's trust in big situations. 

New Orleans hasn't used their tight ends much, but has three matchup weapons in Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Jimmy Graham. Johnson (7-61 yards) has been quiet so far after a breakout year in 2022. He's an athletic mismatch for linebackers who also has a physical advantage over most defensive backs. 

Moreau missed last week with an ankle injury that has him questionable for Sunday. He's a more traditional in-line tight end, but a viable receiving threat on short and intermediate routes. Graham is a situational weapon, but still a valuable target because of his size and ability to box out defenders.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) in the open field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints get another key weapon back with RB Alvin Kamara returning from a three-game suspension. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael hasn't used his skills Ideally in the last two years, but Kamara is arguably the NFL's best receiving back. He runs routes like a seasoned wideout and is a matchup nightmare when lining up around the formation. 

Without Kamara, the Saints haven't used their backs much as receivers. Kamara is the ultimate weapon, but rookie Kendre Miller or veteran Tony Jones Jr. could also be valuable on screens or check-down passes. 

What to Watch 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) eludes Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) after a reception. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Lavonte David and Devin White have done an outstanding job containing Kamara. In 12 career games against Tampa Bay, Kamara has 11 touchdowns but has averaged less than 95 total yards. He's had less than 80 all-purpose yards in six of his last seven games against the Bucs and just 15 receptions foe 68 yards in his last five contests against them.

Still, Carmichael and the Saints must use Kamara's best skills and at least test the Tampa Bay linebackers. It would be wise to line him out wide in some alignments or run him on wheel routes out of the backfield to take David or White into space.

The shorthanded Buccaneers cornerbacks face a stiff test against the trio of New Orleans game-breaking wideouts. Olave had nine catches for 145 yards in two games against this team last year. Thomas, meanwhile, has feasted on Carlton Davis and Tampa Bay coverage. 

In 10 career regular season games against the Buccaneers, Thomas has pulled in 80% of his targets for an incredible 80 receptions and 964 yards. Tampa Bay will likely play off-ball coverage to guard against Olave and Shaheed deep. This should open up key opportunities for Thomas, Juwan Johnson, and Kamara underneath. 

Sep 15, 2013; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) catches the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY

Obviously none of this will matter if the Saints cannot keep their quarterback upright. Tackles Penning and Ramczyk face crucial matchups outside against Barrett and Tryon-Shoyinka, but the interior blockers must also set up some semblance of a pass pocket.

Look for the Saints to spread Buccaneer coverage from horizontally to set up quick intermediate throws. They'd be wise to run a rhythm-based attack with intermittent deep shots, but nothing will be successful without a competent performance from the offensive line.