Saints Run Defense Must Snuff Out Buccaneers Running Game Early

It isn't the juiciest part of this matchup between NFC South rivals, but the Saints must prevent Tampa Bay from establishing any success with their running game.

The New Orleans Saints face their second NFC South rival of the year when they host the 2-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. New Orleans also comes in at 2-1 after dropping an 18-17 decision at Green Bay. Tampa Bay is coming off a 25-11 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. 

The Buccaneers have a much different look from the team that made three straight playoff appearances. The biggest change is at quarterback, where Baker Mayfield replaces future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. He's one of several new faces on a Tampa Bay team that many expected to be in rebuilding mode this season. 

Mayfield has had some success in the NFL, but has always been a quarterback that needs a productive rushing attack. New Orleans, meanwhile, may have an angry defense after surrendering 18 unanswered fourth quarter points in last week's loss. 

The most interesting matchups on this side of the ball will be when the Buccaneers pass (ie; Marshon Lattimore vs. Mike Evans). However, the 25th ranked Tampa Bay offense needs to run to protect Mayfield and set up play-action plays.

Saints Run Defense vs. Buccaneers Rushing Attack 

Tampa Bay Running Game 

Sep 10, 2023; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, the Buccaneers ranked dead last in rushing yards, attempts, average per carry, and scores. So far after three games, Tampa Bay ranks 11th in rushing attempts, but their 78 yards per game on the ground ranks only 27th. Their 2.8 average per rush also ranks last in the NFL. 

Second-year RB Rachaad White takes over lead back duties from the departed Leonard Fournette. After 481 yards as a rookie, White has 150 yards after three games this year, but only 3.1 per carry. He has good power, but must show better vision for open lanes and more patience to let his blocks develop.

Undrafted rookie Sean Tucker and sixth-year pro Chase Edmonds are White's backups. Both are in their first years with the club, but have combined for just 43 rushing yards on 19 carries. 

The Buccaneers have an entirely new trio of interior linemen with both tackles playing new spots. Fourth-year OT Tristan Wirfs was considered one of the top right tackles in the NFL, but now starts on the left side. Luke Goedeke was a starting guard as a rookie in 2022. He's now taken Wirfs' spot at right tackle.

Rookie second-round choice Cody Mauch is the new starter at right guard. Former tackle Robert Hainsey is now the starting center. Seven-year journeyman Matt Feiler assumes the left guard role.

New Orleans Run Defense 

Dec 19, 2021; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) and defensive end Carl Granderson (96) tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones (27). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After plummeting to 24th in run defense last year, the Saints have had a solid start in that category this season. New Orleans has allowed an average of 100 yards on the ground through three games. That ranks 10th in the league so far, but their 4.5 average per rush ranks 23rd. 

Linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner spearhead aggressive defensive pursuit of runners. Werner leads the team with 26 total tackles, including 13 solo stops. Davis has 20 total stops, including two for loss and a team-high 14 solo tackles. Both are terrific athletes that are equally effective in space or in traffic, with Davis possessing elite instincts and play recognition. 

New Orleans defensive ends Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson take run support responsibilities very seriously. Jordan is one of the league's best edge defenders against the run, but Granderson can struggle when teams run at him. Veteran Tanoh Kpassagnon provides excellent depth.

Few defensive backfields play the run as well as the Saints. Safety Marcus Maye will be serving the second of his three-game suspension after a spectacular start, but Tyrann Mathieu and rookie Jordan Howden are active all around the formation. Corners Marshon Lattimore, Alontae Taylor, and Paulson Adebo are outstanding open field tacklers and highly aggressive in run support. 

A big reason for the early improvements against the run this season has been a remade defensive tackle position. As a group, they've gotten good push and have allowed few inside running lanes.

The unit's only returning player, DT Malcolm Roach, has had a strong start with excellent penetration on several plays. Offseason free-agent additions Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders have been stout performers, while first-round choice Bryan Bresee looks like a potential star. All four have gotten off the ball extremely well and have consistently penetrated opposing backfields. 

What to Watch 

Sep 18, 2022; New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) knocks down a pass to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (29). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Green Bay's 95 rushing yards last week were slightly skewed by two broken play runs and 39 yards from QB Jordan Love. Outside of that, Packers backs managed only 56 yards and 3.2 per carry. 

Baker Mayfield doesn't present nearly the athletic threat that Love does. However, Green Bay was still able to pick up a few key plays on the ground despite missing their best back and two Pro Bowl starters on the offensive line. 

When Tampa Bay runs, it will most likely be over Wirfs' left side against Granderson. New Orleans defensive tackles could prevent off-tackle runs with immediate penetration, which would also allow LBs Davis and Werner to take outer paths to the runner.