For the first time in the Bruce Arians’ era in Tampa Bay, the Bucs overcame the Saints, 30-20, in last year’s playoff matchup. However, instead of Arians’ offense, it was defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ unit leading the way to victory. The Bucs defense forced four turnovers and held Drew Brees to 134 passing yards en route to the NFC Championship Game. Tampa Bay won despite just 315 yards of total offense.

Shockingly, Tom Brady was just average that evening, and Mike Evans was all but non-existent. In fact, that’s been a theme for the Bucs offense against the Saints defense, and it needs to end in Week 8. Dennis Allen’s unit has forced some of the worst games out of Brady and Evans, for reasons that are sometimes unrelated to either player.

Bucs QB Tom Brady and Saints DE Trey Hendrickson – Photo by: USA Today

Brady has faced Allen’s defense three times since arriving in Tampa Bay. In those three games, here are his averages: 59 percent completion rate, 215 yards per game and four touchdown passes to five interceptions. In fairness, Brady has also rushed for two touchdowns. He was also sacked seven times over the three games. That’s basically a quarter of the total sacks (27) Brady endured in his first season in Tampa Bay.

Now, all of those interceptions were not Brady’s fault. In fact, most of them were the result of route-running errors, or him being under siege in the pocket. In the first matchup between the Saints and Bucs last year, Brady was playing his first game in a Bucs uniform. He actually made some exceptional throws in that game, but the chemistry on the unit wasn’t there yet.

That was even more apparent in Week 9, when Brady suffered one of his worst losses ever, 38-3. The Saints defense jumped all over the Bucs from the outset, aided by tons of protection errors with Ali Marpet out of the lineup. Joe Haeg, starting at left guard, posted one of the worst performances you’ll ever see, leading to several Brady misfires. Haeg was replaced the following week with A.Q. Shipley.

But, while much of Brady’s lack of production isn’t his fault, there is no question he can still play better against New Orleans. In 27 games with the Bucs, Brady has 15 games graded 80 or higher by Pro Football Focus. None of those games have come against the Saints, however. The GOAT has been mostly fine against Allen’s defense, but rarely a major difference-maker. On Sunday, that’s what the Bucs need from him.

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

As for Evans, his struggles against the Saints are more well-documented. In 13 career games against the Saints, Evans averages 3.5 catches, 51 yards and 0.3 touchdowns. Under Arians, his numbers have actually gotten worse against New Orleans. Last year, Evans had just six catches for 69 yards in three games! 64 of those yards came in garbage time during the 38-3 loss. However, he did catch two short touchdowns in goal line situations.

Evans has rarely gotten the better of Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore over the past few seasons. Since 2019, Evans has 10 catches for 133 yards in five games against the Saints. To be fair, Evans has drawn a number of critical penalties that don’t count in the box score. But almost all of his limited production has come when games are already decided. He simply hasn’t gotten open consistently against the Saints, even with more snaps in the slot.

If the Bucs offense is going to turn around their dismal trends against the Saints defense, Brady and Evans have to lead the way. There’s reason to believe both will be markedly better than last season, but Allen’s bunch is playing outstanding football. The Saints are currently eighth in total defense and third in scoring defense. Tampa Bay has their sights set on the NFC South crown, but they’ll need more from Brady and Evans to get there.