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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

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kingtrojan

(@kingtrojan)

Posts: 207

Master At Arms

Bowles should be fired the second he enters the tunnel

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:06 pm

Mic

(@mic)

Posts: 2121

Quartermaster

It’s over

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:06 pm

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5881

Captain

Otton with a lazy route lol

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:07 pm

Biggs3535

(@biggs3535)

Posts: 3041

Quartermaster

Bad throw by Baker on 4th.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:07 pm

Trask Force

(@catherder)

Posts: 2599

Quartermaster

what a bad loss.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:07 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

Posts: 5733

Captain

Posted by: @jc5100

↑

Let’s run white here

YPC:

White: 4.8

Tucker: 4.1

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:07 pm

kingtrojan

(@kingtrojan)

Posts: 207

Master At Arms

There needs to be an entire house cleaning from top to bottom

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:08 pm

BadabingBucs

(@badabingbucs)

Posts: 3329

Quartermaster

Offense is pathetic

Bowles should be fired

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:08 pm

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5881

Captain

Posted by: @kingtrojan

↑

Bowles should be fired the second he enters the tunnel

We can't even fire him because they it's Grizz head coach lol

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:08 pm

JC5100

(@jc5100)

Posts: 1745

First Mate

Posted by: @donkey_hunter

↑

Posted by: @jc5100

↑

Let’s run white here

YPC:

White: 4.8

Tucker: 4.1

Well blocked runs

Bucky 17.8 ypc

Tucker 13 ypc

White 7.9 ypc

Wasted runs with white

This post was modified 1 week ago by JC5100

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:08 pm

Alldaway 2.0

(@alldaway)

Posts: 1778

Quartermaster

Posted by: @catherder

↑

what a bad loss.

Bucs need to sweep the Falcons to have a chance IMO. Or else it is not looking good.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:09 pm

Biggs3535

(@biggs3535)

Posts: 3041

Quartermaster

Posted by: @mic

↑

Sometimes it ain’t about the scheme but just the guys and talent level idk how saints manned up on us and win all 4 downs vs we can’t stop th saints offense with no talent

This is Bowles 7th season in Tampa as either DC or HC/DC. If he doesn’t have the players he needs for his defense, that’s on him.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:09 pm

HireCoen2025

(@hirecoen2025)

Posts: 5881

Captain

It's the route tree..there's no rub routes and no check downs

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:09 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

Posts: 5733

Captain

"tOdD bOwLeS cAn wIn uS a sUpErBoWl"

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:09 pm

Trask Force

(@catherder)

Posts: 2599

Quartermaster

run the table! .... not so much.

Posted : Dec. 7, 2025 4:10 pm

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Week 14: Bucs Win If / Saints Win If

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