The Saints will play the Buccaneers once again. The teams just met a couple of weeks in a defensive struggle. This time around though, look for a totally different game in the dome. WhoDatdish has focused on five statistical categories to look at that may decide the game.
Next: Touchdowns Versus Field Goals
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Drew Brees
The last three games inside the dome were by these scores: 26-19, 37-31 (OT), and 42-17.
Certainly, there is no reason to believe that another 16-11 game will come about. Drew Brees is also coming off of a blazing hot performance against the Arizona Cardinals. The biggest key to this game will be what team can punch it into the endzone vs. taking a field goal. The Red Zone will be critical on both ends of the field. The pressure will be on the Saints defense to keep the Bucs out of the endzone. If the Saints defense can hold the Bucs to three touchdowns the Saints will win. Look for the Saints to score at least 30-35 points in this one.
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 18: Running back Tim Hightower
Last time these teams played Tampa Bay won the rushing battle by out rushing the Saints 104-46. However, the stats are a little deceiving. Both teams averaged about three yards a carry. The main difference was that the Buccaneers ran the ball twice as much. Hopefully, Sean Payton will see this. Balance is going to be needed in this game. At the very least, have a 60% to 40% pass to run split. Moreover, Tim Hightower will be needed to run more north and south versus Ingram. Jukes and running wide just won’t fly against this speedy Tampa defense.
27 Oct 2001: A close up detail of a yellow penality flag in the pocket of a referee during the game between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs at the Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Gators defeated the Bulldogs 24-10.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
This is the picture that Saints’ fans want to see. A referee’s flag stuck in the bright white pants. Once again, the last time the teams met the Saints were penalized 13 times for 104 yards. Tampa Bay was flagged seven times for 65 yards. Mistakes will kill the Black and Gold. Foolish errors cannot happen again on Sunday. Communication will be another key component on Sunday. Coaches and players must be on constant alert that everyone is supposed to be in the right place. Giving free yardage to the opponent is a momentum killer.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 27: New Orleans Saints fans cheer from the stands during an NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on November 27, 2016, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Who Dat Nation will have to come out with some extra sound. Remember, this game will be the last time the Saints will play this year in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Regardless, if the Saints win the lottery and make it to the postseason, the journey will be a ton of road games upcoming. Let it out Saints fans. All the frustration and anger should come out on Sunday. No reason to hold back now.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 16: New Orleans Saints fans dressed in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Monthe cheer during a game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 16, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Saints will simply need divine intervention in order to not get eliminated by kickoff. The scenarios are too convoluted to elaborate. If The Saints somehow stay alive another week then someone higher must be watching. A Christmas miracle perhaps. Then onto a New Year’s celebration. Who knows?
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