Saints Power Buccaneers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints wanted to ruin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chances of making the postseason. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 31 to 24. In the first quarter, Mark Ingram scored on a 6-yard rushing touchdown.
In the second quarter, the Bucs tied it at 7 on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Brate from Jameis Winston. With the Saints up 13 to 7 in the third-quarter, Ingram rushed for 14-yard touchdown. Ingram finished with 90 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Jacquizz Rodgers followed up with a 3-yard touchdown run for Tampa Bay. Rodgers finished with 63 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. He started in place of Doug Martin, whom was healthy scratched.
The Saints responded with a 11-yard touchdown pass to Travis Cadet from Drew Brees (Ingram 2-pt conversion). Brees finished with 299 passing yards and 1 touchdown. Brandon Cooks and Michael Thomas each had 98 yards receiving for the Saints.
Mike Evans caught a 34-yard touchdown pass late in the third-quarter. Evans finished with 7 catches for 97 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Winston finished with 277 yards passing 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
With the Saints up 31 to 24 with under two minutes remaining, Ingram rushed for a key first down to seal the victory. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can still clinch a playoff spot next week, but they will need help. The Saints will travel to the Atlanta Falcons (10-5) next Sunday.
