Mission: New Orleans Saints

The 7-4 Bucs get to take on the 5-6 Saints, in a big divisional matchup. The Bucs lead the division by two games, but the Saints are very close. The Bucs will have their hands full, playing a Saints team that has changed dramatically since the second week of the season. They are starting to look more like the 2006 Saints, who dominated in the NFC. The biggest question for the Bucs, of course, is whether or not Jeff Garcia will play. As of Wednesday, he still couldn’t throw the ball. But he is still hopeful about playing on Sunday.

The Bucs defense has continued to impress, showing us all why other teams fear them. The Bucs however, will have their hands full on Sunday. While the Saints only average 22 points per game, they are 8th in the league in total yards per game, and 4th in the league in passing yards per game. They are also in the top 10 in the league in several other categories. These categories include: total first downs (3rd), first downs passing (2nd), third down conversions (2nd), fourth down conversions (5th), total offensive plays (2nd), total offensive yards (8th), total touchdowns (7th), total passing plays (1st), total passing yards (4th), passing touchdowns (8th), interceptions (3rd), and defensive touchdowns (3rd). Whew. That’s a lot to be proud of. Drew Brees is one of the top QB’s in the league, and is only 3 yards shy of reaching 3,000 yards on the season. They have a tough running game with Reggie Bush, but he may not play due to an injury. Then there’s the wide receivers, including standout Marques Colston and David Patten. Brees has plenty of targets, as there are 7 players who have more than 100 receiving yards this season. The offense isn’t there only threat. They also have a good defense, led by Scott Fujita, who leads the team with 70 tackles. The Saints also have a dangerous secondary, as three of their cornerbacks have 2 interceptions, and two safeties who have 2 and 1 interceptions, respectively. One of those corners is Mike McKenzie, who has already returned a pick for a touchdown.

The Bucs took a hard hit to their offensive averages, due to Garcia’s injury. Their defense finished the job for them last week, and are still 2nd in the league in points allowed per game, and 6th in the league in total yards allowed per game. They are also 6th in rushing touchdowns, and 9th in average yards per passing play. Their defense is 2nd in the league in passing touchdowns allowed, and are still led by Barrett Ruud. The defense has forced 17 fumbles, and has recovered all but 5 of them. They also have picked off the opposing quarterback 12 times, returning one for a touchdown. Michael Pittman re-injured his ankle, so Earnest Graham will keep his starting job. As things look right now, if Garcia can’t go on Sunday, it will be Luke McCown, who has taken most of the snaps in practice.

The Bucs are on the high of a 3-game win streak, as the Saints are riding a 1-game win streak. This will be the second and final meeting between these two teams this year. The Bucs have one more game against a divisional opponent, playing Carolina the last game of the season. A win here all but seals up the South for the Bucs.