The New Orleans Saints (2-3) will return home to New Orleans as they face a division foe when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) come to town for a Week 6 matchup.
The Saints went to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Monday Night Football and things did not go well. The Saints fell 26-13 and also lost their starting quarterback in the process. That just added to an already long list of hurt players for New Orleans.
Kickoff inside the Caesars Superdome is set for noon on Sunday, October 13th.
THE BIGGEST INJURY YET
The injury concerns did not improve for New Orleans in Kansas City, as they lost more key players including Will Harris. There was no bigger injury, however, than the one to quarterback Derek Carr.
He will miss multiple weeks, and the Saints wasted no time announcing that rookie Spencer Rattler will get the starts in Carr’s absence. This comes despite Jake Haener being the backup so far this season.
The rookie Rattler impressed in training camp, and now will get a chance to show the organization what he can do.
DEFENSIVE OPPORTUNITY
It was expected that the Saints’ defense would be one of the better units in the NFL this year. While statistically the numbers are pretty good, the eye test does show some issues.
Specifically, the team has given up large yardage totals. Last week against Kansas City was probably the worst game so far for that unit, as they gave up 27 points and the Chiefs were able to move the ball mostly at will.
With a rookie QB making his first ever start, it is time for the defense to step up big time. This game could be low-scoring, and the New Orleans defense will be looked upon to come up big.
COMFORTABLE IN TAMPA
Baker Mayfield has revitalized his career as a member of the Bucs. Last year’s playoff run, along with a hot start to this season has people believing in the former top pick.
His top two receivers have been mainstays in Tampa for quite a while in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. They will be a focal point for the Saints defense on Sunday.
Saints’ cornerback Marshon Lattimore has always had a feisty rivalry with Evans, and those two will be fun to watch go at it again this weekend.
SERIES RECORD: Saints Lead 40-25
Last 5 Meetings:
2023: BUCS 13 – SAINTS 23
2023: BUCS 26 – SAINTS 9
2022: BUCS 17 – SAINTS 16
2022: BUCS 20 – SAINTS 10
2021: BUCS 0 – SAINTS 9
STAT LEADERS
SAINTS
Derek Carr: 90-of-128, 989 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT
Alvin Kamara: 91 carries, 388 yards, 5 TD
Rashid Shaheed: 19 catches, 388 yards, 5 TD
Bryan Bresee: 4 Sacks
Paulson Adebo: 36 tackles (32 solo)
Paulson Adebo & Tyrann Mathieu: 2 INT
Blake Grupe: 8-of-8 Field Goals, Long of 57, 14-of-16 PAT
BUCCANEERS
Baker Mayfield: 110-of-153, 1,164 yards, 11 TD, 2 INT
Bucky Irving: 44 carries, 247 yards, 1 TD
Chris Godwin: 32 catches, 386 yards, 3 TD
Logan Hall: 3 Sacks
Jamel Dean: 40 Tackles (32 solo)
Lavonte David, Christian Izien & Zyon McCollum: 1 INT
Chase McLaughlin: 10-of-10 Field Goals, Long of 56, 13-of-14 PAT
NOTABLE INJURIES:
Saints
Taysom Hill, TE, Rib, Out
Cesar Ruiz, OG, Knee, Out
Payton Turner, DE, Knee, Questionable
Lucas Patrick, G, Groin, Questionable
Pete Werner, LB, Hamstring, Out
Kendre Miller, RB, Hamstring, Questionable
Derek Carr, QB, Chest, Out
Buccaneers
Graham Barton, C, Hamstring, Out
Christian Izien, CB, Elbow/Groin, Out
Trey Palmer, WR, Concussion, Out
Kameron Johnson, WR, Ankle, Out
Jalen McMillan, WR, Hamstring, Questionable
Rachaad White, RB, Foot, Doubtful
Jordan Whitehead, S, Groin, Questionable
Antoine Winfield Jr, S, Foot, Questionable
Earnest Brown IV, DL, Ribs, Out
Luke Goedeke, T, Concussion, Questionable
Calijah Kancey, DL, Calf, Questionable
