Perennial Standout Saints To Build Distance From Division Foe Buccaneers

Sunday, October 16, 2011

by Aengus Moorehead

Perennial Standout Saints To Build Distance From Division Foe Buccaneers

Analysis:
The New Orleans Saints have rebounded nicely from their Week 1 loss at Green Bay with four wins in a row and came out on top against the Carolina Panthers this past weekend, squeezing out a 30-27 triumph on Drew Brees' late touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas. New Orleans is on its longest winning streak since a six-game run from Oct. 31-Dec. 12 of last season, and head coach Sean Payton likes what he sees so far.

New Orleans made it exciting by rallying from a 27-23 deficit after blowing a 10-point lead and Brees was called on for the rescue. Playing behind an offensive line that is missing a starters at center and tackle, Brees completed eight of his nine attempts for 80 yards on the final drive, which was culminated by Thomas' six-yard touchdown grab with only 50 seconds remaining.

The Saints are still without right tackle Zach Strief and center Olin Kreutz, opening the door for backups Charles Brown and Brian de la Puente. The two contributed to the team's 101 yards rushing and a total of 444 yards on the day.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers is in the same predicament of trying to get enough balls around to keep players happy. However, that wasn't the case in last Sunday's embarrassing 48-3 loss at San Francisco in which quarterback Josh Freeman finished with only 187 yards passing and threw two interceptions.

Pinning the blame solely on Freeman and the Bucs' offense would be ludicrous, however. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggled to stop 49ers running back Frank Gore, who ran for 125 yards and a score on a balky leg, and San Francisco totaled 418 yards of offense and quarterback Alex Smith threw three touchdown passes.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were coming off a short week following a Monday night win over Indianapolis in Week 4 and had a three-game winning streak come to an end. They now have a tough competitor in New Orleans coming to town, and Freeman knows he must perform better to get his team out of its rut.

Freeman's six interceptions through five games this season already match his total from 2010. His repertoire last season was protecting the football, but it's now beginning to catch up with him.

Freeman and the Buccaneers will be home for the next two weeks, with Chicago visiting Raymond James Stadium the following Sunday, before getting a week off for the bye.

Sunday's game versus New Orleans will be Tampa Bay's second division matchup of the season, having defeated Atlanta at home in Week 3.

Time & Venue:
- 4:15 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2011. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Last Week's results:
- New Orleans (-6.5) beats host Carolina Panthers 30-27.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) loses to host San Francisco 49ers 48-3.

Last week's ATS:
- Favourite New Orleans (4-1) wins but does not cover
- Favourite Tampa Bay (3-2) loses outright.

NFL Football Odds: Saints -6.5, O/U 49

Next up:
- New Orleans home to Indianapolis, Sunday, October 23
- Tampa Bay home to Chicago, Sunday, October 23

Tampa Bay also lost former first-round defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a left ankle injury last week. His absence could open the door for Thomas and rookie Mark Ingram, who have helped the Saints to the NFL's 14th-best rushing attack – up from last year's ranking of 28th. However, the Saints' bread and butter rests with Brees, who has thrown for 350 yards in each of his last three games. Jimmy Graham has been his favorite target of late, rolling up a franchise-record third straight 100-yard effort for a tight end.

Earnest Graham is expected to take the majority of carries in LeGarrette Blount's absence. The 31-year-old Graham has served primarily as a third-down back and hasn't carried the load since rushing for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2007-08 campaign. McCoy and Blount aren't the only Buccaneers ailing. Stud cornerback Aqib Talib is hobbled by a knee injury. Tampa Bay did receive a boost with safety Tanard Jackson returning from a year-long suspension from the NFL. He is expected to play versus the Saints.

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman has struggled against New Orleans during his short career. He has averaged just 218 yards while throwing five interceptions and losing two fumbles.

Saints S Roman Harper was fined $15,000 by the NFL on Thursday for his late hit on Panthers WR Steve Smith. Well after Smith reeled in a TD pass, the wideout was blasted by Harper, who earned a 15-yard penalty and ignited an ugly skirmish.

The teams have split their season series in each of the last three seasons. The road representative has won the last four contests, with New Orleans holding a 22-16 advantage in the set.

Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Tampa Bay is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games at home
Tampa Bay is 5-17 ATS in its last 22 games at home
New Orleans is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games on the road
New Orleans is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Raheem Morris has a lot of enthusiasm when it comes to coaching, as well as an abundant amount of confidence in his players no matter how young the Buccaneers are. Although, the maturity level will rise this week in what will be Tampa Bay's biggest achievement so far this season, a hard-fought fight to no avail at home against the favored Saints. The Saints are still the Saints and they will prevail.

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NFL Football Pick: Take Saints.

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aqib talib - brian de la puente - charles brown - drew brees - gerald mccoy - jimmy graham - josh freeman - josh freeman - legarrette blount - mark ingram

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