- Tom Brady lost his first match as Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback.
- Saints’ ferocious defense picked the six-time Super Bowl champion twice.
- The second period was the key to New Orleans’ victory.
Brady’s Excellent Start, Followed by Mediocre Play
Tom Brady rushed for a two-yard touchdown on his first drive in Tampa Bay’s uniform. It was something that thrilled the entire NFL community, and with the Bucs’ fans hoping to see the 43-year old picking up where he left in New England.
That, however, didn’t happen.
The Saints picked him twice, and overall, his performance this Sunday night was below average for a three-time MVP.
“It’s a game of execution. Obviously, they made more plays than we did, and I made just some bad, terrible turnovers,” he said.
Brady ended the night with 239 yards, two TD passes, two interceptions, and losing 15 yards after three sacks. It seems that he still has a lot to practice with his teammates in order to create a chemistry that could lead them all the way to the Super Bowl.
After stopping the Saints on their first possession and scoring a touchdown to take the lead, the Buccaneers experienced what is like to face a harsh NO defense. They didn’t end the single drive without getting back the football to the rivals.
We saw one interception on Brady, two punts, and one blocked field goal. Saints, who trailed after the first period with 0-7, delivered 17 consecutive points in the second sequence, completely shifting the momentum on their side.
Plus, 1:47 inside the second half, Brady was picked for the second time, only this time, Janoris Jenkins took the football all the way home for another touchdown. Tampa tried to come back, and they did have possession, with being down 17-24, but the Saints stopped them pretty easily – three and out.
Brees Avoids Passing, Uses Alvin Kamara
Drew Brees was quiet, as he chose his actions carefully, avoiding to throw the ball too often. He had 160 yards, two TD tosses, and was using Alvin Kamara constantly. The running back who got a mega-extension just a few days ago delivered two scores last night, on through the air and one on the ground, having 99 yards from the scrimmage.
Brees recalled his matches with Brady from the end of the previous century.
“We played against each other in college, for goodness sake, in 1999,” Brees continued. “At the end of the day, I think we would both pinch ourselves if you told us back then we’d have the opportunity to play this long and be a part of so many great teams and so many great moments, historic moments.”
The Saints are visiting the Las Vegas Raiders in the next round. After that, have two games against the teams from the NFC North- the Packers at home and the Lions on the road.
Meanwhile, the Bucs will seek redemption at home against the Carolina Panthers, before heading to Denver to meet the Broncos at the Mile High.
