In a dominant display, the New Orleans Saints secured a crucial victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a final score of 20-7. The Saints' defense was particularly impressive, holding the Buccaneers to a meager 44 total yards in the first half and forcing multiple turnovers, including a significant interception by Alontae Taylor off an underthrown pass by Baker Mayfield. The Saints took a commanding 17-0 lead into halftime, further bolstered by a sack from Zack Baun. Despite the Buccaneers' late effort to get on the board with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to Trey Palmer, the Saints maintained control of the game. Unfortunately, the match was marred by injuries, with Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell being carted off the field with a knee injury and later ruled out, and tackle Landon Young also leaving the game with a knee issue. The Saints' win denied the Buccaneers the chance to clinch the NFC South.
FINAL: @Saints stay alive with a big win in Tampa Bay. #NOvsTB https://t.co/XFx2w67DwV
The Saints deny the Buccaneers the chance to clinch the NFC South today. š¤ ā NO +2.5 ā NO +120 ML ā U 42.5 https://t.co/YExLO5ogtZ
Ridiculous play as Saints try to close out the game -- Baker Mayfield hits Trey Palmer for the way-too-easy deep completion. But Palmer loses his footing and fumbles when he hits the ground untouched. Saints recover.
Saints still lead Tampa Bay, 20-7 with 4:36 left. https://t.co/xA6eTBgQ6o
Bucs avoid the shutout with Baker Mayfield connecting with Louisiana native Trey Palmer for a 22-yard touchdown. Palmer ran a post route from the slot against Cover-3 with a single high safety...Alontae Taylor was the nearest defender. Jordan Howden out of position to assist.
.@Buccaneers get on the board with a lot of time left on the clock š šŗ: #NOvsTB on FOX š±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqknZtA5 https://t.co/PPkjhK2RqU
Another turnover for the @Saints defense š¤ šŗ: #NOvsTB on FOX š±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqknZtA5 https://t.co/Wy3qCq8ZM0
Update: T Landon Young has been ruled OUT (knee). https://t.co/OtrmVnuQE1
.@Saints defense is DOMINATING. šŗ: #NOvsTB on FOX š±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqknZtA5 https://t.co/Tl8oolGnxP
Saints take 17-0 lead into halftime at Tampa. https://t.co/hYhFULfmZC
The Bucs had 44 total yards in the first half. 33 came on that pass to Mike Evans when Paulson Adebo stumbled in coverage. They have gained a total of 11 yards on their other 18 plays in the first half. (h/t @zewing)
The Saints' domination continues. Zack Baun with the sack of Baker Mayfield. And a quick three-and-out for the Bucs. Saints will get the ball back with plenty of time for a potential 2-minute offense scoring drive.
Another dominant 3-and-out by Saints defense. Buccaneers now down to 45 net yards in the first half after a Zack Baun sack.
Injury Update: LB Nephi Sewell (knee) is OUT. T Landon Young (knee) is questionable to return. @Saints #NOvsTB
Saints LB Nephi Sewell (knee) is ruled out. RT Landon Young (knee) listed as questionable to return.
Buccaneers have just 52 net yards on offense through three drives today (33 of which came on one pass to Mike Evans). Great performance by Saints defense so far.
Saints LB Nephi Sewell being assisted by trainers and now heading off the field via cart after that interception.
Alontae Taylor with the huge INT to kill the Bucs drive. The Saints take over at their own 2. Meanwhile, Nephi Sewel is down on the field and they have brought out the cart. Looks like a knee injury.
Baker Mayfield picked off throwing outside the pocket on an underthrown pass intended for Trey Palmer. Jump ball and Alontae Taylor came down with it. Saints now start this drive at their 2-yard line. They need some pressure to show up here.
Alontae Taylor brings down a massive INT for the @Saints šŗ: #NOvsTB on FOX š±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqknZtA5 https://t.co/CjD170PgZ5
Old faithful Mike Evans. Baker Mayfield hits Evans for a 32-yard pass on a post route with Paulson Adebo in coverage. Saints were in single high coverage (Cover 3) but Tyrann Mathieu was not in the vicinity.
.@Saints get on the board first in Tampa Bay. šŗ: #NOvsTB on FOX š±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqknZtA5 https://t.co/EWVqY3IXwu