"If we make the playoffs, it’ll bring the whole city together"

Players up for chance to sweep SaintsBy Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: December 9, 2015TAMPA — With four wins in the past six weeks and an opportunity to earn a postseason berth for the first time since 2007, the Bucs appear to be a driven bunch heading into Sunday’s home matchup against New Orleans.Tampa Bay can go 4-1 within the NFC South by sweeping the Saints, a week after downing the Falcons for the second time this year.“It’s December and we’ve got a chance to get into the playoffs — we’ve got to relish that,’’ veteran RT Demar Dotson said. “We’ve got a chance to do something special.’’LB Danny Lansanah said a boisterous home crowd helped rally Tampa Bay past Atlanta on Sunday.“Last week, the crowd was crazy and all these games coming up are playoff games for us,’’ Lansanah said Wednesday. “It’s an exciting time. When you wake up in the morning, you’re happy to come to work. When you’re in meetings, you know you’re playing for something. If we make the playoffs, it’ll bring the whole city together.’’Stat of the dayIn 327 rushing attempts against the Bucs this season, Tampa Bay has allowed only one run longer than 20 yards — a 21-yard scramble by Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles on Oct. 11.Did you know?The Saints have yielded 35 touchdown passes during their 4-8 start. The NFL record for most scoring passes allowed in a season is 40 by the 1983 Broncos.Quote of the day“I’d be lying if I didn’t fess up to that. I’ve got a lot of love for players on that team, but it never hurts to beat your old boss.’’— Bucs first-year offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, on sweeping the Falcons, his employers the three previous seasonsUpcoming scheduleSunday: New Orleans, 1 p.m. (Fox, Ch. 13)Dec. 17: at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m. (NFL Network)Dec. 27: Chicago, 1 p.m. (Fox, Ch. 13)Jan. 3: at Carolina, 1 p.m. (Fox, Ch. 13)