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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers out-defensed and out-offensed the New Orleans Saints by six points, with a final score of 26-20, to move themselves into a tie with the same Saints for first place in the NFC South at 4-2. Turnovers were the definite difference in the game between the visiting Saints and the hosting Bucs this Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

The Saints also lost their head coach from the teams' sidelines for quite a while to an knee injury as a result of a Jimmy Graham pass completion early on to the Saints' sideline in this game. Sean Payton had surgery on his left knee to a broken tibia on the knee cap and a torn MCL, which was said to have gone very well, and will most likely be coaching from the booth for the next several games.

Despite keeping it close with an aggressive defense and a hit and miss high-powered offense under the arm of quarterback Drew Brees, it simply was not enough to overcome three interceptions and a fumble all going the other way and none coming back to them. Looking down the Gregg Williams check list of things that his defenses traditionally are called on to do for him in football games, you would put check-marks next to just about every single item except for turnovers. Did they get pressure on the opposing quarterback? Check. Did they limit touchdowns and force field goal attempts in their own territory? Check. Did they cause three and outs to force the opposition to punt the ball back to Drew Brees and the Saints offense at crucial times late in the game to allow their team a chance to regain the lead? Check.

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New Orleans Saints News