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New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Scouting Report

The New Orleans Saints are certainly not easing into the 2013 season with their second NFC South opponent in as many weeks. Next up are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that is supposed to be improved from a disappointing 2012, though their stunning 18-17 season-opening loss to the dysfunctional New York Jets gives a different impression. The Bucs lost to the Jets on a 48-yard field goal in the final two seconds that was made possible when linebacker Lavonte David hit Jets quarterbacks Geno Smith out of bounds for a 15-yard personal foul. Up until then, it looked as though Tampa was about to open the season with a win. The Bucs were penalized 13 times for 102 yards against the Jets.

BUCCANEERS OFFENSE

The Bucs have become a one-dimensional predictable offense that relies far too heavily on second-year running back Doug Martin running the football. It worked against them Sunday with the Jets keying on Martin, who rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Tampa needs quarterback Josh Freeman to step up and use the receiving weapons in his offense, as well. He completed just 15 of 31 passes for 210 yards while throwing a touchdown and an interception in the loss to the Jets. Freeman completed seven of his passes to wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who had 154 receiving yards.

BUCCANEERS DEFENSE

If the pass rush was the Bucs' weakness last season, they certainly showed Sunday they are turning that into a strength. Tampa's blitzing linebackers hit Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith all day, sacking him five times and forcing a fumble with linebackers Mason Foster, Dekota Watson and Lavonte David leading the way. Star cornerback Darrelle Revis, the prize acquisition of the offseason, made the secondary better just by his presence. Now the real test comes with a more sophisticated passing offense led by Drew Brees and receiver Marques Colston.

BUCCANEERS SPECIAL TEAMS

One of the brightest spots in the season opener came in the kicking game where punter Mike Koenen was strong, averaging 46.6 yards per punt, while pinning the Jets inside their 20 three times. Koenen also kicked 4 of his 5 kickoffs out of the end zone for touchbacks. And recently acquired veteran kicker Rian Lindell almost become an instant hero, nailing a pressurized 37-field goal that gave the Bucs a 17-15 lead with 34 seconds remaining. Tampa's return game was fine with Eric Page but he could be challenged this week after Olympic sprinter Jeff Demps reported to the team Monday as a running back/punt and kickoff returner.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

December 16, 2012, Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Saints to a 41-0 win over the Tampa Bay, giving the franchise its first shutout in 17 years. The Bucs, meanwhile, lost their fourth straight game and ended their playoff hopes for the season. Josh Freeman had one of his worst outings of the season with four interceptions and a lost fumble. The Saints' defense stifled star rookie running back Doug Martin, holding him to just 16 yards on nine carries.

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