Notifications

Clear all

Week 14: Bucs Win If / Saints Win If

ehinote · 2025-12-05T21:51:56Z

Welcome to the playoff push for the Bucs! In Coach Todd Bowles’ fourth season, making a run during the last five or six games to win the NFC South has become second nature. This year’s run started with last week’s victory against the Cardinals, and we’re hoping this week will be the Bucs’ second win, kicking off a streak that lasts at least until the first game against the Panthers. If we can secure victories in the next three games, we’ll lock in the division title. Let’s dive into this week’s matchup and see what each team needs to do to claim victory. BUCS WIN IF… Bucs on Offense: The Bucs are finally starting to resemble their original starting lineup, with players returning to the field. We’ve seen a few offensive linemen come back recently, and the return of Bucky Irving was a sight for sore eyes—he made an immediate impact. Now, let’s hope for a Jalen McMillan sighting this week or next, and maybe even Mike Evans before the Panthers game. With these returns, we need to see improved offensive execution (and I’m not referring to the type of execution former HC John McKay meant). The Saints had success pressuring Baker Mayfield in their first matchup, with Chase Young beating Tristan Wirfs for two sacks. Speaking of Wirfs, he’s currently questionable for Sunday’s game, so we’ll see if he suits up. Regardless of Wirfs’ status, I don’t anticipate giving Baker a lot of time to get the ball downfield. I hope to see a focus on the short to intermediate passing game as an extension of the run game, similar to our approach against the Cardinals. I liked the quick screens to Bucky and Rachaad White, and I’m hoping to see more from Emeka Egbuka, who looked more like his early-season self in parts of last week’s game. It would be ideal to lean on Bucky, Rachaad, and Sean Tucker in the second half to run out the clock. Have we done that even once this year? “Throw early, so we can run late.” Bucs on Defense: The Bucs defense should be able to slow down rookie Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who still has a long way to go. Bowles’ defensive schemes should give him plenty of challenges. The Bucs must shut down the Saints’ run game and apply pressure on Shough early. I’m always cautious about Saints receiver Chris Olave, as he has the ability to exploit defensive gaps and put up big numbers. Hopefully, Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield will keep a close watch on him over the top. Is anyone up for Haason Reddick getting 1.5 sacks on Sunday? That would be great! SAINTS WIN IF… Saints on Offense: The Saints need to find a way to produce in the running game, which will be tough without Alvin Kamara. They’ll likely lean on Devin Neal or Audric Estime, which is a challenging ask. Additionally, the Saints must get the ball out of Shough’s hands quickly with quick throws, and move the pocket. As the game progresses, he may have opportunities to take shots to Olave. They must be cautious with turnovers; they could have stayed competitive against the Bucs earlier this season if it weren’t for some unforced errors. Playing smart and protecting the ball will be crucial for keeping the score close. Watch out for Olave to rack up good fantasy numbers. Saints on Defense: The Saints defense performed well in their first meeting with the Bucs, allowing only one offensive touchdown. They should stick to rushing four, playing cover 2 or 4, and letting Cameron Jordan and Chase Young feast. Baker may force a pass or two into tight windows, and the Saints could capitalize with a critical turnover. Again, the Saints need to keep this game close for as long as possible—anything can happen in the fourth quarter. FINAL WORD The Bucs must win this game if they hope to take the division. Any slip-up will only fuel the momentum for the Panthers, and we need to shut down that hope over the next few weeks. Prediction: Bucs 27, Saints 16

Page 15 / 21 Prev Next

The Red Board

Last Post by BadabingBucs 3 days ago

313 Posts

20 Users

17 Reactions

1,905 Views

RSS

bucshot420

(@bucshot420)

Posts: 296

Gunner

Posted by: @badabingbucs

↑

Posted by: @jc5100

↑

Posted by: @biggs3535

↑

Lolz @ another long TD run against the defense.

Laughable stuff.

Will you blame Licht ?

coaching looks to have lost this one

you sure it want breakdowns in communication that need to be cleaned up ? (Blue font )

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:42 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

Posts: 5716

Captain

Defense has given up 9 more points than NOLA's season average.

So far.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:42 pm

JC5100

(@jc5100)

Posts: 1724

First Mate

Irving averaging 17.8 ypc on well blocked runs.

Tucker 13 yppc

White 7.9

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:44 pm

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5871

Captain

Why does Grizz hate having a check down in the middle?

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:44 pm

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5871

Captain

A hitch route 3 yards short of the first down... Lol

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:45 pm

Mic

(@mic)

Posts: 2113

Quartermaster

Seriously just hand it off on 1 with white instead of any other back

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:45 pm

Biggs3535

(@biggs3535)

Posts: 3029

Quartermaster

Naturally, White converts.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:45 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

Posts: 5716

Captain

Posted by: @jc5100

↑

Irving averaging 17.8 ypc on well blocked runs.

Tucker 13 yppc

White 7.9

How about the Total EPA and EPA/Rush?

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:46 pm

Biggs3535

(@biggs3535)

Posts: 3029

Quartermaster

Posted by: @jc5100

↑

Posted by: @biggs3535

↑

Lolz @ another long TD run against the defense.

Laughable stuff.

Will you blame Licht ?

Sure. He should have moved on from Bowles years ago.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:47 pm

Donkey_Hunter reacted

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5871

Captain

Egbuka has fall off so hard

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:47 pm

Biggs3535

(@biggs3535)

Posts: 3029

Quartermaster

EE hands aren’t what we were told by offseason hype.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:47 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

Posts: 5716

Captain

Egbuka is in his own head at this point.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:47 pm

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5871

Captain

2nd and 15 run. Grizz is just too smart

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:47 pm

JC5100

(@jc5100)

Posts: 1724

First Mate

When Evans and McMillan are back I don’t want to see Egbuka

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:47 pm

BadabingBucs

(@badabingbucs)

Posts: 3309

Quartermaster

Egbuka needs to be on sidelines after that

we run on 2nd and 15 lmao?

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 3:48 pm

Page 15 / 21 Prev Next

8 Forums
37.6 K Topics
216.5 K Posts
1 Online
25.8 K Members

Forum Icons: Forum contains no unread posts Forum contains unread posts

Topic Icons: Not Replied Replied Active Hot Sticky Unapproved Solved Private Closed

Week 14: Bucs Win If / Saints Win If

Follow Pewter Report