Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFC South, and their Week 6 matchup on October 13, 2024, was nothing short of electrifying. The Buccaneers dominated with a 51-27 victory at the Caesars Superdome, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. This game was a rollercoaster, with a wild second quarter that saw the Saints briefly take the lead before Tampa Bay roared back. Let’s break down the player stats, key performances, and what made this game a standout in the 2024 NFL season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to football, this article will walk you through the numbers in an easy-to-understand way.

Game Overview: A High-Scoring Thriller

The final score of 51-27 tells only part of the story. The Buccaneers jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Saints responded with a 27-point explosion in the second, briefly taking a 27-24 lead at halftime. However, Tampa Bay’s offense and defense took control in the second half, shutting out New Orleans while piling on 20 points in the fourth quarter alone. The Bucs racked up an impressive 594 total yards, including 277 rushing yards, while the Saints managed 303 yards. This game was a testament to Tampa Bay’s resilience, especially after weathering three turnovers and 11 penalties.

Let’s dive into the player stats to see who shined, who struggled, and how the numbers shaped this memorable game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Offensive Standouts

Baker Mayfield (Quarterback)

Baker Mayfield was the engine behind Tampa Bay’s offensive explosion. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 325 yards, throwing 4 touchdowns but also 3 interceptions. Despite the turnovers, Mayfield’s ability to connect on big plays was crucial. His touchdown passes included a 4-yard strike to Chris Godwin in the first quarter, a 36-yard screen to Sean Tucker in the second, a 55-yard bomb to Godwin in the third, and an 8-yard pass to Cade Otton in the fourth. Mayfield also added 29 rushing yards on 3 carries, showing his mobility under pressure.

Sean Tucker (Running Back)

Sean Tucker was a revelation in this game, rushing for 136 yards on 14 carries and scoring a 5-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. His 36-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass in the second quarter was a highlight, as he weaved through defenders with ease. Tucker’s 9.7 yards per carry average was a key factor in Tampa Bay’s dominant 277-yard rushing performance.

Bucky Irving (Running Back)

Rookie Bucky Irving complemented Tucker beautifully, rushing for 81 yards on 14 carries and scoring a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also caught 2 passes for 24 yards, including an 18-yard screen that set up his touchdown run. Irving’s 31-yard run in the fourth quarter showcased his speed and vision, helping the Bucs seal the game.

Chris Godwin (Wide Receiver)

Chris Godwin was Mayfield’s favorite target, hauling in 11 receptions for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 4-yard score in the first quarter opened the scoring, and his 55-yard touchdown in the third quarter gave Tampa Bay the lead for good. Godwin’s ability to find open space and gain yards after the catch was pivotal in stretching the Saints’ defense.

Other Notable Performers

• Mike Evans (Wide Receiver): Evans had 2 receptions for 34 yards and drew a key pass interference penalty that set up an early score. While his stats were modest, his presence forced the Saints to adjust their coverage.

• Ryan Miller (Wide Receiver): Miller made a splash with a 39-yard reception, setting up a touchdown drive.

• Cade Otton (Tight End): Otton caught 2 passes for 15 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

• Sterling Shepard (Wide Receiver): Shepard added 3 receptions for 23 yards and 31 rushing yards on 4 carries, showcasing his versatility.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive Highlights

The Buccaneers’ defense was relentless, recording 5 sacks and 2 interceptions on Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler. They also forced a fumble that led to a touchdown. Here are the standout defensive players:

• Lavonte David (Linebacker): David led the team with 9 tackles, including 1 sack, and was a force in stopping the Saints’ run game.

• Zyon McCollum (Cornerback): McCollum had 1 interception and made a leaping grab to halt a Saints drive in the fourth quarter.

• Tykee Smith (Safety): Smith recorded 5 tackles and 1 interception, while also forcing a fumble that Antoine Winfield Jr. returned for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

• Vita Vea (Defensive Tackle): Vea had 4 tackles and 1 sack, disrupting the Saints’ offensive line.

• Calijah Kancey (Defensive Tackle): Kancey added 2 tackles and 1 sack, including a key stop on Alvin Kamara.

• Chris Braswell and K.J. Britt (Linebackers): Both players shared a half-sack, contributing to the pressure on Rattler.

The defense’s ability to generate turnovers and sacks was crucial in flipping the momentum after the Saints’ second-quarter surge.

New Orleans Saints: Offensive Struggles

Spencer Rattler (Quarterback)

Making his first NFL start in place of the injured Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency. He completed 22 of 40 passes for 243 yards, throwing 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. His touchdown pass was a 10-yard strike to Bub Means in the second quarter. Rattler also scrambled for 27 yards on 4 carries, including a 16-yard run, but faced constant pressure from Tampa Bay’s defense, resulting in 5 sacks.

Alvin Kamara (Running Back)

Alvin Kamara was the Saints’ workhorse, rushing for 40 yards on 13 carries and scoring a 4-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also caught 5 passes for 24 yards, but the Buccaneers’ defense limited his explosiveness, holding him to a 3.1 yards per carry average.

Foster Moreau (Tight End)

Foster Moreau led the Saints in receiving yards, catching 2 passes for 54 yards, including a 41-yard catch-and-run that set up Kamara’s touchdown. His ability to find gaps in the zone was a bright spot for New Orleans.

Bub Means (Wide Receiver)

Bub Means had a solid day, catching 5 passes for 45 yards and scoring a 10-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His score briefly gave the Saints a 20-17 lead.

Other Contributors

• Juwan Johnson (Tight End): Johnson caught 3 passes for 48 yards, providing a reliable target for Rattler.

• Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Wide Receiver): Wilson had 2 receptions for 28 yards.

• Rashid Shaheed (Wide Receiver): Shaheed caught 1 pass for 11 yards and returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown, one of the Saints’ few highlights.

New Orleans Saints: Defensive Efforts

The Saints’ defense struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s balanced attack, allowing 594 total yards. However, a few players made notable contributions:

• Paulson Adebo (Cornerback): Adebo had 10 tackles and 1 interception, returning it 17 yards to set up a Saints touchdown.

• Johnathan Abram (Safety): Abram recorded 7 tackles and 1 interception, with a 30-yard return that led to a score.

• Marshon Lattimore (Cornerback): Lattimore had 10 tackles, helping to limit Mike Evans’ impact.

• Jordan Howden (Safety): Howden led the team with 11 tackles, showing hustle in run support.

• Cameron Jordan (Defensive End): Jordan had 1 tackle and 1 interception, picking off a tipped pass.

Despite these efforts, the Saints’ defense couldn’t stop Tampa Bay’s rushing attack or prevent big plays in the passing game.

Key Team Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Comparison

Here’s a quick look at how the teams stacked up statistically:

Category	Buccaneers	Saints
Total Yards	594	303
Passing Yards	317	222
Rushing Yards	277	81
First Downs	31	19
Turnovers	3	3
Penalties	12 (86 yards)	7 (70 yards)
Time of Possession	34:02	25:58
Third-Down Conversions	6/10 (60%)	4/13 (30.8%)
Red Zone TDs	4/5	2/4

The Buccaneers’ dominance in total yards, rushing, and time of possession highlights their control of the game, especially in the second half.

Scoring Summary: How the Points Piled Up

First Quarter

• TB: Chris Godwin 4-yard TD pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick) – 7-0

• TB: Antoine Winfield Jr. 58-yard fumble return TD (McLaughlin kick) – 14-0

• TB: Chase McLaughlin 26-yard field goal – 17-0

Second Quarter

• NO: Blake Grupe 42-yard field goal – 17-3

• NO: Rashid Shaheed 54-yard punt return TD (Grupe kick) – 17-10

• NO: Blake Grupe 29-yard field goal – 17-13

• NO: Bub Means 10-yard TD pass from Spencer Rattler (Grupe kick) – 17-20

• TB: Sean Tucker 36-yard TD pass from Baker Mayfield (McLaughlin kick) – 24-20

• NO: Alvin Kamara 4-yard TD run (Grupe kick) – 24-27

Third Quarter

• TB: Chris Godwin 55-yard TD pass from Baker Mayfield (McLaughlin kick) – 31-27

Fourth Quarter

• TB: Cade Otton 8-yard TD pass from Baker Mayfield (two-point conversion failed) – 37-27

• TB: Bucky Irving 1-yard TD run (McLaughlin kick) – 44-27

• TB: Sean Tucker 5-yard TD run (McLaughlin kick) – 51-27

What Made This Game Special?

This matchup was special for several reasons. For Tampa Bay, the 51 points scored marked the second-highest single-game total in franchise history, showcasing their offensive potential. The team’s 277 rushing yards were the third-most in Buccaneers history, with Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving leading the charge. Despite three turnovers, Tampa Bay’s ability to regroup and dominate the second half spoke to their resilience, especially after traveling to New Orleans early to escape Hurricane Milton.

For the Saints, the game was a chance to see rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in action. While he showed promise, the five sacks and two interceptions highlighted the challenges he faced against a aggressive Buccaneers defense. The Saints’ 27-point second quarter was a testament to their fight, but their inability to score in the second half exposed defensive and offensive shortcomings.

Historical Context: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Rivalry

The Saints lead the all-time series 40-26 in regular-season games, with a 1-0 edge in playoff matchups. However, the Buccaneers have won the last two encounters, including this 51-27 rout and a 27-19 victory on January 5, 2025. Over the years, the rivalry has been marked by close games and high-scoring affairs, with New Orleans averaging 22.3 points per game and Tampa Bay averaging 19.0 points per game in their head-to-head matchups since 1977.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• Tampa Bay’s Offense is a Force: With 594 total yards and a balanced attack, the Buccaneers showed they can compete with any team in the NFL. Baker Mayfield’s four touchdown passes and the running back duo of Tucker and Irving give Tampa Bay a dynamic offense.

• Defense Wins Games: The Buccaneers’ five sacks and two interceptions were game-changers, proving that their defense can take over when it matters most.

• Saints Need Consistency: Spencer Rattler’s debut was a mixed bag, and the Saints’ defense struggled to stop Tampa Bay’s run game. With Derek Carr sidelined, New Orleans will need to find ways to protect their quarterback and generate more pressure.

• Rivalry is Alive and Well: This game added another chapter to the intense NFC South rivalry, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.

Looking Ahead

For the Buccaneers, this win improved their record to 4-2, solidifying their position as contenders in the NFC South. Their next matchup against the Saints is scheduled for October 26, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, promising another exciting clash. The Saints, now 2-4, will look to regroup and address their defensive issues, especially against the run, as they prepare for the rematch.

Conclusion

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats on October 13, 2024, was a showcase of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and a thrilling second quarter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Baker Mayfield, Sean Tucker, and Chris Godwin led the way for Tampa Bay, while Spencer Rattler and Alvin Kamara showed flashes of brilliance for New Orleans. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just learning the game, this matchup was a perfect example of why the NFL is so exciting. Keep an eye on these teams as they continue their battle for NFC South supremacy!