QBREES9

NEW ORLEANS — Saints quarterback Drew Brees is masterful at looking defenders off and spreading the ball around, especially at the Superdome, but he’s not fooling anyone on the Buccaneers heading into today’s pivotal matchup.

When Brees needs a key completion, he usually turns Jimmy Graham’s way, and the Pro Bowl tight end inevitably uses that 6-foot-7 frame to shield off smaller defensive backs or run away from slower linebackers.

That’s a flashing hazard light, because during Tampa Bay’s 1-3 start, opposing tight ends have feasted on a pass defense that is yielding a 75.8 percent completion rate and a cumulative passer rating of 118.4 — last in the league on both counts.

“One of our Achilles heels right now is covering the tight ends,’’ acknowledged Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who returned from a one-week absence and sparked a 27-24 comeback victory at Pittsburgh despite playing with a broken left hand. “We have to do better, but the rush can help that.’’

Although the Bucs sacked Ben Roethlisberger five times last Sunday, Steelers tight end Heath Miller caught 10 passes for 85 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown.

Tampa Bay also struggled to contain tight ends against Carolina and St. Louis while opening the season with a pair of losses against backup quarterbacks.

Now, here comes Graham, whose 32 catches rank second among all NFL players to Green Bay receiver Jordy Nelson, who has 34 after catching one pass for a 66-yard touchdown Thursday night. Graham tops all tight ends with 340 receiving yards and 20 first downs.

“He’s an outstanding tight end with great pass-receiving skills, and you have to respect that,” Bucs defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. “The way they move him around, you have to recognize that he’s not always in the tight end position, so there are times that we’re going to treat him like he’s a receiver.”


Bucs defense knows it must brace for Saints best | TBO.com, The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Times

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|Mitch|

I hope they waste so much time worrying about Graham, that Cooks has a break-out, make you notice game!

QBREES9

Same here.