The Saints offense has gotten off to a slow start. The running game sucks. The offensive line really sucks. Drew Brees threw an interception and missed a few other big play opportunities. Mark Ingram couldn't convert on a 4th and 1 play. Garrett Hartley missed a field goal. Blah!
But Jimmy Graham has been the star of the show with 8 catches for 156 yards receiving and a touchdown grab. And fortunately the offense has gotten a lot of help from a very undisciplined Buccaneers defense that continues to take stupid, cheap penalties and shoot themselves in the foot.
Once again the defense has definitely held their own. Can't believe we're saying that, but it's true. The Saints should win this game but it's going to be a lot closer than it should.
Here are the stats from the first half:
Team Stats
NO | TB | ||
First Downs | 13 | 6 | |
Total Yards | 239 | 92 | |
Passing Yards | 204 | 31 | |
Rushing Yards | 35 | 61 | |
Penalties (Yds) | 3(20) | 7(61) | |
Turnovers | 1 | 0 | |
Punts (AVG) | 1(47) | 4(42) | |
Time of Pos. | 18:33 | 11:13 |
Top Performers
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
D. Brees | 16/27 | 216 | 1 | 1 |
Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
M. Ingram | 6 | 15 | 0 | 8 |
D. Sproles | 5 | 20 | 0 | 6 |
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
J. Graham | 8 | 156 | 1 | 56T |
D. Sproles | 4 | 20 | 0 | 6 |
M. Colston | 2 | 28 | 0 | 15 |
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | ||||
Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
J. Freeman | 5/11 | 31 | 1 | 0 |
Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
D. Martin | 10 | 47 | 0 | 12 |
J. Freeman | 2 | 14 | 0 | 13 |
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
V. Jackson | 2 | 17 | 0 | 10 |
M. Williams | 2 | 9 | 0 | 6 |
K. Ogletree | 1 | 5 | 1 | 5T |