Bucs defense shines against Saints

The Bucs have finally lifted the dark cloud from over their heads after beating the Saints 20-10. This is the Bucs’ first win against New Orleans in the regular season since 2018; and their first in New Orleans since defeating the Saints 30-20 and retiring Drew Brees in the 2020 Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Devin White continues his reign of terror as the defense generates sacks and turnovers.

Bucs Devin White smiles as the defense picks off Saints’ Jameis Winston/photo credit: Tori Richmond, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After leading the team with 8 tackles against Dallas the previous week, “Get Live 45” once again had his name atop the stat sheet with 11 tackles.

The fourth-year linebacker has continued to show his growth while leading the league’s top defense. White is tied for third in the league, with 3 sacks, and tied for 14th with 19 total tackles.

Bucs’ secondary has grown with the potential to be elite.

Bucs’ CB Jamel Dean celebrates after his interception during the Bucs’ 20-10 victory over the Saints/Photo Credit: Cliff Welch

The Bucs’ defense did their job from front to back, and it showed, registering 6 sacks (White accounted for 1), 4 forced fumbles, recovering 2 fumbles, and their 3 interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown by Mike Edwards. Jamel Dean, also recorded 2 interceptions on the Saints.

The secondary managed to hold Jameis Winston to a 55.8 rating while allowing 236 yards passing on 40 attempts. The defense brought back to light that Winston throwing that many times is a recipe for disaster for your offense and a huge day for the defense. Following the game, Devin White understood the assignment:

“When Jameis left our team, everybody knows what he did that last year here — he threw 30 picks. We just knew he would give us the ball!”

–Devin White’s comments following the Bucs 20-10 win over the New Orleans Saints

Bucs’ safety Antoine Winfield Jr celebrates during the team’s 20-10 victory of the divisional foe, New Orleans Saints/photo credit: Tori Richmond

The Bucs’ defense is tied for second in the league in turnovers with 4, leads the league in sacks with 10, 5th in yards allowed while only allowing 6.5 points per game.

They will look to continue to make their mark when the Bucs host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday for the team’s home opener. The Bucs beat the Packers in both matchups when both teams faced off in 2020. The Bucs will see the Saints once more on December 5th at Raymond James Stadium.