The Saints have looked absolutely terrible in the first half of their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Two interceptions and a fumble have helped the Bucs take an early 20 - 10 lead.
The defense has looked awful in coverage and undisciplined in the tackling department. On the other side of the ball, the offense has looked flat, in addition to the aforementioned turnovers. And, of course, we've seen a few questionable non-calls from the referees. Surprise!
The most peculiar play of the game came early on the Saints first possession when Jimmy Graham was knocked into Sean Payton standing on the sideline. Jay Glazer reports that Sean Payton has suffered a broken knee, broken tibia and a torn MCL from the collision.
The Saints seriously need to get their act together on both sides of the ball here in the second half. #wegotthis
Make the jump for first half stats from the game. Click the picture at right for more from this afternoon.
Team Stats
| NO | TB | ||
| First Downs | 7 | 11 | |
| Total Yards | 161 | 249 | |
| Passing Yards | 135 | 193 | |
| Rushing Yards | 26 | 56 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 3(20) | 3(30) | |
| Turnovers | 3 | 0 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 2(54) | 3(44) | |
| Time of Pos. | 11:25 | 18:33 |
Top Performers
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 14/22 | 141 | 1 | 2 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 1 | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| M. Ingram | 4 | 9 | 0 | 7 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Colston | 4 | 33 | 1 | 38T |
| J. Graham | 4 | 74 | 0 | 43 |
| M. Ingram | 1 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| J. Freeman | 16/24 | 193 | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| E. Graham | 7 | 46 | 0 | 34 |
| K. Lumpkin | 2 | 13 | 0 | 9 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Williams | 4 | 29 | 0 | 14 |
| A. Benn | 2 | 70 | 1 | 65T |
| K. Winslow | 4 | 25 | 0 | 12 |