TAMPA, Fla. – The New Orleans Saints traveled to Raymond James Stadium to take on the division leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night. The result was surprising as the New Orleans’ defense was able to completely shut down Tampa Bay’s vaunted offensive power. In the end, the Saints scored the 9-0 shutout victory.
Saints Smothering Defense
The New Orleans’ defense came to play on Sunday night. They started off hot, not allowing any points in the first quarter. Along the way, the Saints’ defense was able to get to Tom Brady, finishing with four sacks as a team throughout the game.
To put their effort in historic context, Sunday night was only the third time in Brady’s career that he was shut out as the starting quarterback. The ability of the defense to shut down one of the most potent offenses in the league is definitely something the Saints will be looking to build off of moving forward.
Maher’s Offense Enough
While the defense of New Orleans looked incredible, things were less than spectacular on the other side of the ball. Taysom Hill threw for just 154 yards with zero touchdowns, but thankfully, the Saints did not need much to secure this victory.
Brett Maher was all the offense that New Orleans would need to get the job done. Maher landed a field goal in each of the first two quarters and then sealed the deal with a 42-yard kick in the final frame.
Moving Forward
Despite the loss on Sunday night, the Buccaneers still sit in a good spot in the playoff standings. The defending champs are still the NFC South division leaders with no sign of falling out of position. New Orleans, on the other hand, has moved into a Wild Card spot with the win.
The Buccaneers will be looking to rebound when they head to Charlotte for a Week 16 matchup with the Carolina Panthers. The Saints will be looking to keep that momentum moving forward when they return home to face off against the Miami Dolphins.
