Saints Win Thrilling Game Over Buccaneers Amid Tight NFC South Race
The New Orleans Saints' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon was a nail-biter, but it ultimately went in favor of the home team. The win marked the Saints' 7th-6 record heading into Week 15, keeping them right on the heels of their division rivals.
After beating the Los Angeles Rams last week, the Carolina Panthers moved up to 7-6 in their bye week, and now both the Bucs and Panthers are tied for first place in the NFC South.
In a stunning turn of events, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough's two touchdown runs proved crucial in securing the win. Despite his team owning a dismal 2-10 record entering the game, Shough made things very interesting with his impressive performance.
The first touchdown was scored in the fourth quarter after the Bucs turned it over on downs in a 17-17 game. It was a remarkable escape by Shough from the pocket, as he managed to evade a would-be sack and then saw an opening on his left side. He sprinted towards the end zone, dodging defenders along the way, before diving into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown run that ultimately proved to be the game-winner.
Shough finished with 55 yards rushing, alongside passing for 144 yards with one interception, while his counterpart Baker Mayfield struggled in the heavy rain.
The Saints' defense also played a key role in securing the win, forcing a field goal on a promising drive for Tampa Bay and then punting away to seal the deal.
However, just four plays earlier in the game, the Bucs turned it over on downs again, as tight end Cade Otton was short of the line to gain on 4th-and-4. The Saints' running back Devin Neal continued his stellar performance from last week, rushing for a touchdown and scoring 70 yards on 19 carries.
On the other hand, Mayfield threw downfield, but the ball slipped out of his hands at one critical moment when it would have tied the game.
The New Orleans Saints' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon was a nail-biter, but it ultimately went in favor of the home team. The win marked the Saints' 7th-6 record heading into Week 15, keeping them right on the heels of their division rivals.
After beating the Los Angeles Rams last week, the Carolina Panthers moved up to 7-6 in their bye week, and now both the Bucs and Panthers are tied for first place in the NFC South.
In a stunning turn of events, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough's two touchdown runs proved crucial in securing the win. Despite his team owning a dismal 2-10 record entering the game, Shough made things very interesting with his impressive performance.
The first touchdown was scored in the fourth quarter after the Bucs turned it over on downs in a 17-17 game. It was a remarkable escape by Shough from the pocket, as he managed to evade a would-be sack and then saw an opening on his left side. He sprinted towards the end zone, dodging defenders along the way, before diving into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown run that ultimately proved to be the game-winner.
Shough finished with 55 yards rushing, alongside passing for 144 yards with one interception, while his counterpart Baker Mayfield struggled in the heavy rain.
The Saints' defense also played a key role in securing the win, forcing a field goal on a promising drive for Tampa Bay and then punting away to seal the deal.
However, just four plays earlier in the game, the Bucs turned it over on downs again, as tight end Cade Otton was short of the line to gain on 4th-and-4. The Saints' running back Devin Neal continued his stellar performance from last week, rushing for a touchdown and scoring 70 yards on 19 carries.
On the other hand, Mayfield threw downfield, but the ball slipped out of his hands at one critical moment when it would have tied the game.
what's next gonna be people talking about the saints' defense because it held bakersfield 
! I mean, 2 touchdown runs in the 4th quarter? That's insane! And to be honest, I'm kinda surprised he didn't get more credit for that game, considering how clutch his plays were 
. Plus, the Bucs' struggle on 4th down is pretty wild too 
... like, how do you turn it over again when you're so close? Anyway, this NFC South race is getting super interesting! 
. I mean, sure, his team's record is still pretty rough, but Shough single-handedly changed the momentum of that game. And can we talk about the Saints' defense for a sec? They played an incredible game, holding Baker Mayfield to zero yards after 4th-and-long 
. Anyway, this win is huge for them and now they're right back in the hunt for that division title! 
Saints fans are gonna be so hyped after that crazy win! 
Tyler Shough's gotta be on a hot streak right now, who knew he had it in him? 
And can we talk about how tight the NFC South is getting?! 
It's anyone's game at this point. The Saints' defense did their part to seal the deal too, but Shough's clutch plays were the real MVPs 
Can't wait for Week 15! 
. And can we talk about Devin Neal's performance? He's on fire 
! The Saints' defense did their job, but I'm still not convinced Baker Mayfield would've changed the game if he'd gotten that one throw right 
. And can we talk about how Baker Mayfield's game was just...meh? 
His struggles in the heavy rain were pretty clear for all to see. Not exactly what you'd call a great performance from him, especially when it came down to it. The Saints' defense did do their job and shut down Tampa Bay, though 
. Still, that 4th-and-4 turn is like, what happened? 
what a play! 