Doug Martin, Lavonte David and others will have their work cut out for them against the Saints on Sunday.
Despite not tallying a sack in the first meeting, the Bucs registered eight QB hits and 16 hurries. That pressure led to three Drew Brees interceptions. The Bucs must get pressure on the quarterback and McDonald must lead the way up the middle. He has four sacks on the season and could add more against Evans, who, according to Pro Football Focus, has allowed five sacks, seven hits and 33 hurries this year.
McDougald has been all over the field over the last two weeks, racking up 24 tackles. Graham has 11 receptions for 140 yards and a TD in that time frame and is always a threat in the middle of the field. Whether or not McDougald is called upon to cover QB Drew Brees's favorite target, he needs to continue his sure tackling to limit big plays.
McCown and the Bucs offensive line will need to deal with the Saints' pass rush, led by Junior Galette's nine sacks. McCown will need to find time to connect with his big receivers. Along with long gains and putting points on the board, efficiency from McCown and the pass game will help the offense convert on third down and keep Brees & Co. off the field.
Jackson needs nine yards to reach 1,000, while Evans needs just three to get there. If both hit their marks, they will be the first Bucs WR duo to top 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Evans missed the first Saints matchup, a game in which Jackson gained 144 yards. With both on the field, Lewis, Frederick and the 29th-ranked Saints secondary (261.5 passing yards allowed per game) will have their hands full.
Ingram, who missed the first matchup, leads his team with 907 rushing yards and eight scores. He's shown speed and power with two TDs in his last two games, bouncing one to the outside for 15 yards and pounding another one up the middle. David (141 tackles, three forced fumbles) will lead the attack in limiting his production. He ranks second among NFL LBs with 17 tackles for loss and is also second in thel eague in tackles despite missing two games.
The Saints have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game this season (129.5), with a league-leading 17 runs of 20 yards allowed. Lofton's 135 tackles are the fifth-most in the NFL. Over the last three weeks, Martin has 4.7 yards per carry and, as we saw in Carolina, is just one cut away from breaking off a big play. He'll see his chances in this game.
The Buccaneers look to finish up strong for their season finale on Sunday vs the New Orleans Saints. During their first matchup earlier this season, it took overtime for the Saints to knock off the Bucs, 37-31. Both teams have underperformed this season. Every player on the Bucs will have one last game to prove they're worthy of playing Buc ball for the 2015 season.
1. OFFENSE
The story of the season has been the lack of production from the quarterbacks and running backs. Its been a combination of poor play on the offensive line and inconsistent play at the QB position. On Sunday there will be multiple players moving around at different positions and getting a chance to contribute. These will be opportunities for any player that wants to prove their worth to the coaches. The most important thing for the Bucs offense on Sunday will be to protect the football. Along with winning the game, the Buccaneers need to snap their consecutive game turnover streak. Just that alone will give the Bucs a sure shot at winning this game. Playing loose, having fun, and showing effort will show that even though this has been a disappointing season, the players will continue to play hard for themselves and their teammates.
2. DEFENSE
The most improved phase by far of this Buccaneers team has been the defense. Saints QB Drew Brees and company were eliminated last week from playoff contention by the Atlanta Falcons. The one common thread for this Saints offense all season is the multiple turnovers they've had. Drew Brees has served it up to his opponents in bunches and the Bucs can create more of the same with their four man rush. Of late, players have been flashing on defense and producing splash plays that have changed the complexion of the game. The last time the Bucs defense played the Saints, it was multiple silly penalties and lack of discipline on third downs that gave the Saints the game.
3. SPECIAL TEAMS
The Buccaneers return game has been quiet the entire season. The difference in this game will come down to not only who plays a clean style on special teams, but who takes advantage of some field position changes in the return game. Momentum is always key in end-of-season games where both teams are out of postseason play. A big return could be just what the doctor ordered to seal the deal for the Bucs and get their first win of the season at home.
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