The New Orleans Saints looked very much like a team already eliminated from playoff contention in the first half, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took advantage of that en route to a 20-7 halftime lead.
However, New Orleans would get back on track in the second half, scoring 16 unanswered to shock the Bucs 23-20 in Tampa.
Turning Point:
Drew Brees turned a bad day into a good one instantaneously late in the fourth, hitting WR Marques Colston for a 36-yard score to put the Saints on top for good.
Key Stat:
Brees may have thrown three picks, but he didn't stop firing. He finished with 268 yards passing and the game-clincher to Colston, silencing doubters of his continued place amongst the NFL's elite at the quarterback position.
New Orleans MVP:
Kenny Stills is likely one offseason away from reaching the upper echelon of NFL wide receivers. He impressed once again on Sunday despite a bad day for QB Drew Brees (0 TDs, 3 INTs), catching five balls for a team-leading 82 yards.
Tampa Bay MVP:
Hello Doug Martin. Everyone's favorite fantasy pick before the season showed up in a big way on Sunday, amassing 108 yards on 19 carries.
What’s Next?
New Orleans finishes the season at 7-9, and will likely hear head coach Sean Payton's name in connection with several coaching jobs despite his protests to the contrary.
Tampa finishes at 2-14, punctuating a lost season with a heartbreaking home loss.
Back to the New Orleans Saints Newsfeed