The New Orleans Saints (1-1) would fall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0), 20-10, in their home opener for the 2022 season. Five turnovers in the second half would prove costly as the Saints offense had trouble finding any rhythm against the Buccaneers defense.
Offense Strikes First, But Nothing Else in the First Half
The Saints offense stepped on the field first looking to get off to a fast start against Tampa Bay. The drive almost got off to a rough start as Adam Prentice fumbled, but it ended up going out of bounds. New Orleans was able to drive all the way down into the red zone, but had to settle for three points.
Wil Lutz nailed a 31-yard field goal to put the black and gold up 3-0 with 9:02 left in the first quarter. The Saints went on an 11-play, 63-yard drive to get the early lead.
The rest of the Saints offensive possessions in the first quarter resulted in punting the ball away. There were multiple times that New Orleans was stopped on third down. The black and gold were unable to take advantage of the Buccaneers mistakes as they were shutout after their opening drive of the game.
The offense finished the first half with only 121 total yards of offense (60 passing yards and 61 rushing yards).
Turnovers Proved Costly in the Second Half for the Saints
New Orleans continued to struggle on the offensive side on their first possession of the second half. Tampa Bay forced the Saints into a quick three-and-out.
The black and gold were able to drive down the field on their next drive, but the first of four turnovers in the second half came on a first and 10. Logan Ryan punched the ball out of Mark Ingram’s hands and what looked like a promising drive turned sideways.
The next three offensive possessions for the Saints results in three Jameis Winston turnovers. Winston tried to hit Chris Olave in the endzone, but was picked off by Jamel Dean. Dean picked off Winston on the next possession.
Winston was picked off for the third time and this sealed the game as Mike Edwards returned it for a pick six to put Tampa Bay up 20-3 with 4:11 left in the fourth quarter.
The Saints were able to finally find the endzone on their next possession as Jameis Winston found Michael Thomas for a seven-yard touchdown to cut into the Buccaneers lead, 20-10.
Winston found Chris Olave on a 51-yard pass, but Olave wasn’t able to hold onto the ball as Carlton Davis recovered the fumble.
Saints Defense Shuts Down Brady and the Bucs Offense in the First Half
Tom Brady and the offense would step on the field looking to answer after New Orleans was able to take the early 3-0 lead. The Buccaneers were able to drive into New Orleans territory. On a third and one from the Saints 26-yard line, Brady mishandled the snap and was recovered by Demario Davis.
The Saints defense was able to force a turnover to keep Tampa Bay from putting points on the board. The Buccaneers were able to drive near the Saints goal line. A 41-yard pass to Mike Evans set the Bucs in Saints territory.
Leonard Fournette was able to find some open holes to put Tampa Bay at the New Orleans eight-yard line. Todd Bowles elected to go for it on fourth down, but the Saints defense stood tall.
The next two offensive possessions for the Buccaneers would result in quick three-and-outs. The Saints defense continued to have answers for what Tampa Bay was bringing on the offensive side. The Buccaneers finished the first half with only 127 total yards of offense (104 passing yards and 23 rushing yards).
Defense Does About All That They Can in the Second Half
The Buccaneers first offensive possession of the second half resulted in a punt. Tampa Bay had great field position as they set up on their own 43-yard line. They were able to get on the scoreboard as Ryan Succop nailed a 47-yard field goal.
The Saints defense was able to force Tampa Bay to another punt, but this drive came with some antics. Both Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore were ejected from the game.
Tom Brady took over on the next drive for the Buccaneers as he was able to find Breshad Perriman for a 28-yard touchdown to put Tampa Bay up 10-3 with 7:41 to go in the fourth quarter. The Saints had two questionable penalties to keep the Bucs drive going, but Tampa Bay was able to strike.
The Buccaneers had a short field on their drive drive thanks to a turnover forced by their defense. Tampa Bay was able to add on. Ryan Succop’s 47-yard field goal was good to put Tampa Bay up 13-3 with 5:51 to go. The Saints defense was able to force the Buccaneers to a quick three-and-out after New Orleans found the endzone.
What’s Next For the Saints?
New Orleans will hit the road in week three as they take on their third straight NFC South opponent, the Carolina Panthers. The game will kickoff at noon next Sunday.