The New Orleans Saints are set to tackle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Weeks 4 and 17 in 2023. With Tom Brady retiring for good following final season, this Bucs staff goes to be very completely different than those from years previous.

The Bucs are looking for the inheritor obvious to Tom Brady, and it doesn’t appear like they’ve discovered him simply but. The Bucs will most definitely be beginning Baker Mayfield the start the season, and there’s an opportunity we see Kyle Trask make an look sooner or later if Mayfield isn’t assembly expectations. Neither of those two ought to be a beginning QB within the NFL, which makes me assume they Bucs may very well be tanking to attempt to get Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in subsequent yr’s draft.

The Buccaneers offense that was as soon as loaded with weapons and tremendous stars has been depleted. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin nonetheless lead the receiving core, however they’re each growing older and might be catching handed from an inconsistent Mayfield. Second yr RB Rachaad White had a promising rookie season with 771 whole yards and three TDs final season. Exterior of these three, the Bucs don’t have any true weapons on the offensive facet of the ball. If Marshon Lattimore performs, he’s confirmed time and time once more that he can lock down Evans. If Alontae Taylor can proceed to enhance on his 2022 season, the Saints might be in prime place to close down this offense.

The defensive facet of the ball for the Buccaneers is a distinct story. They’ve prided themselves on being top-of-the-line defensive groups within the league the previous few seasons. They’ve top-of-the-line linebackers within the recreation in Lavonte David they usually have an elite run stuffer in Vita Vea. They misplaced Sean Muphy-Bunting and Mike Edwards of their secondary, which might open issues up for Chris Olave and Rasheed Shahid down the sector.

Each of those video games might be big for the Saints. If they will take down Carolina in week two and switch round and beat the Bucs in week 4, the Saints can take an early 2-0 division report and trip it the remainder of the best way. The Saints will get the Bucs in week 17 earlier than taking part in Carolina for a second time in week 18. A win in Tampa in week 17 might simply be the one which wraps up the division title for the Saints.

Traditionally the Saints have dominated the Bucs, main the general collection towards 39-24 together with successful seven of the final 10 matchups. They’re seeking to sweep the Bucs after going 0-2 towards them in 2022. These may very well be two big matchups for the Saints, and a sweep of the Bucs may very well be the distinction maker relating to the NFC South title.

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