While the Saints scored 27 points on the Bucs in Week 6, seven points came on special teams due to a punt return, and many of those other scores were short field setups due to turnovers from the Bucs offense. There was a lot to like from specific Tampa Bay defenders, and once the defense made a proper adjustment to some specific things the Saints offense was trying to execute with quarterback Spencer Rattler, they were able to take and maintain control of the game.

Bucs at Saints All-22 Notes: Defense

• Opening play of the game continued the trend of opposing offenses exploiting the middle of the field on the Bucs defense. This time it was tight end Juwan Johnson getting over the top of both inside linebackers Lavonte David and K.J. Britt.
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  Bucs DB Tykee Smith and CB Tyrek Funderburk – Photo by: USA Today

  Rookie nickelback Tykee Smith was on another level in this game. Potentially his best yet with two forced fumbles (one called off due to player being down before punch) and an interception. His instincts, zone awareness, blitzing prowess and physicality as a both a tackler and in run support is fantastic.

  • Nickel blitz on second drive helped trip up Alvin Kamara in the backfield.
  • His ability to understand how offenses try to manipulate him in hook/flats is really special.
• Britt would continue to be victimized in coverage while playing every defensive snap. With Christian Izien out and New Orleans running a fair amount of 12 personnel Bucs head coach Todd Bowles could not go to dime and apparently did not trust J.J. Russell to be any better than Britt.
  • Britt was better in run defense as a part of a unit that was strong. Held Saints to -0.28 EPA/rush and a 32% success rate.

#Bucs vs NO EPA and SR info. pic.twitter.com/RC94GmM7le

— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) October 17, 2024

*Not noted on the X post is that the data came from rbsdm.com (linked above).

• Uncharacteristically human game from Bucs’ top cornerback Zyon McCollum. Beat on a couple of routes and failed to play physical at the catch point on an out route he had covered well leading to a catch. He wasn’t bad this game, just not elite as he had been this season. Still had some high end reps.

Zyon McCollum are you kidding me with this play. I can’t imagine too many tougher assignments than a 6’2 CB guarding Shaheed in the slot. His ranks amongst CBs this year:

– 2 INTs (tied 3rd)
– 6 PBUs (tied 4th)
– 7 FIs (tied 5th)
– 47.1% completion (9th)
– 0.88 yards/cov snap https://t.co/gMkjNzvXGh pic.twitter.com/0APIqJUJpN

— Daniel Salib (@salibdaniel1) October 16, 2024

• • His interception was a phenomenally athletic play.
• Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey picked up right where he left off at the end of last season.
  • Multiple pressures including some impressive reps from the outside against right tackle Trevor Penning and left tackle Taliese Fuaga.
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  Bucs DT Vita Vea and Saints QB Spencer Rattler – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

  Defensive tackle Vita Vea was a dominant in the middle again.

  • Great rep to get a tackle for loss by stepping down on left guard Nick Saldiveri and splitting the G/T double team.
  • His sack was a feat of superhuman strength.
• Outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka had a solid game all around.
  • Set edge in run game.
  • Dropped to coverage well a couple of times.
  • Handful of pressures.
  • Lone bad play was when he dropped into coverage and ended up doubling TE cross. When quarterback Spencer Rattler booted out of the pocket, he made the right decision to leave the route to Jordan Whitehead and drive down on Rattler. Rattler just juked him for a 16-yard gain on the ground.

Don’t try any of that manufactured perimeter screen BS on ELITE nickel corner Joe Tryon-Shoyinka pic.twitter.com/2jSCHvYx8p

— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) October 14, 2024

• While rookie cornerback Tyrek Funderburk was not targeted much when he came in the game for Jamel Dean, he had a very rough debut. Multiple plays where he left receivers open that could have gone for big gains, but Rattler just didn’t see it.
  • Looks like he may have blown at least one call for a coverage bust.
  • I worry about his tackling. Multiple attempts left him bouncing off a receiver/tight end.
• 

  Sad Saints fans – Photo by: USA Today

  Multiple blitz calls by the Bucs allowed for unblocked rushers as New Orleans’ offensive line could not communicate their protection calls correctly.

• Outside linebacker Yaya Diaby created consistent pressure and also set the edge in run defense well. His pressures came on inside rushes against a quarterback looking to boot/break contain which makes it difficult to register sacks.
• Bucs made second half adjustments to contain Rattler’s boots.
• Safety Jordan Whitehead played an assignment sound game with several plus tackles in the open field.
• Bucs support linemen played the run well (Will Gholston, Greg Gaines, Chris Braswell, Logan Hall, Anthony Nelson)
  • Hall still struggled against some double teams, but overall has shown progress as a solid role player.
  • Braswell’s high-energy style of play showed up several times – especially containing Rattler.
  • Nelson set up Lavonte David’s fourth quarter sack by setting a wide edge against a Rattler boot and giving him no outlet when David drove down late.
    • Nelson has quietly had a really good season so far.
• Defensive tackle CJ Brewer looked good at the end of game in limited reps.