Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) – New Orleans Saints (5-12): 27-19
The Buccaneers can breathe easy, they barely got out of the trap set by the Saints who had nothing left to gain and therefore nothing left to lose. Completely controlled in the first half, Baker Mayfield's men put together a strong last quarter to win painfully. But with the shadow of the Falcons above their heads, the Floridians ensured the essential in front of their audience: victory, synonymous with qualification for the playoffs.
However, it was not without difficulties. An underperforming ground game, continued defensive pressure, a forgettable first period, everything did not go as planned and the match was quite complicated before ending. But Baker Mayfield was able to straighten his head and above all did not hesitate to produce on the ground which helped his teammates tremendously. With 68 yards on his escapes he maintained the rhythm and the hope which gave the Buccs the means to win.
Full box for the Saints
At the start of the match, the two formations adjust their offensive squads. We test the ground game, as well as short and intermediate passes. The attacks progress 40 to 50 yards but are stopped each time, and therefore field goals are exchanged. On the New Orleans side, Spencer Rattler (QB, 26/42, 240 yards, 1 TD) finds the connection with Juwan Johnson (TE, 80 yards) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR, 33 yards); for Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield (QB, 20/31, 212 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) can count on Devin Culp (TE, 36 yards) and Jalen McMillan (WR, 74 yards, 1 TD)
The second quarter opens with a long line pass to Valdes-Scantling which initially seems to validate a touchdown but which is called back by the referees. The Saints must therefore console themselves with a new kick. Not impressed by their opponent, the Louisianans returned to the charge in the following series. They try two fourth attempts, a flea flicker, and come knocking at the gates of the goal. It is Dante Pettis (WR, 16 yards, 1 TD) who is finally at the conclusion and allows his team to make the break. The Saints hold the game, the yards, the possession and the clock. To try to sound the revolt, Bucky Irving (RB, 89 yards, 1 TD) escapes for 25 yards, then Mike Evans (WR, 80 yards) recalls everyone's good memories. It's the Buccaneers' turn to come and taste the red zone… However, the finish is not there and the Floridians must be content to reduce the gap with a kick. There is only a minute left, and stung the Saints play their luck to the fullest. Small passes to the outside to control the clock, nice full center receptions to progress, Rattler leads his men towards a new field goal which hits a little more on the Buccs' heads. 6-16 at the break.
The Buccaneers for the victorious comeback
Tampa Bay returns to the field to try to regain control of the game. Well helped by defensive penalties, the Buccaneers attack gradually made its way until Mayfield connected with Payne Durham (TE, 16 yards, 1 TD) and reduced the score. However, New Orleans does not see it that way. On the next series, a deflected pass landed in the hands of the Louisiana defense and gave possession back to the Saints in the opposing half. An error paid for with a new field goal which keeps the pressure on the Buccaneers. And Tampa Bay's woes continue when a punt is completely missed to once again put the Saints in good position. No consequence, but the Buccs are playing with fire.
At the opening of the last quarter, Mayfield tries to carry his team by taking things in hand. Regularly under pressure, he does not hesitate to scramble regularly to free himself from opposing linemen who want to get their hands on him. As a message, he even converted a 4th & 8 with a 33-yard pass to McMillan. A few seconds later, the young receiver was called upon again for a long reception, this time for the touchdown and for the lead in the game. Now trailing by one point, New Orleans is starting to mess up its football. Missed passes, penalties, things are no longer moving forward. Mayfield then attempts the banderilla. A 28 yard run, connection with Evans, the Buccs advance while killing the clock. And deliverance comes through Irving. On a broken play, Mayfield slips the ball to the running back who runs to the paint to put his team out of reach. The Saints attempt a last-hope comeback, but are unable to deceive the Floridian cover. Game, set and match. Tampa Bay even concludes its game by offering an eleventh season with more than 1000 yards receiving to Evans, the stadium explodes, the cannons smoke, the Buccaneers win their division and are in the playoffs.
