How Do the Buccaneers Keep Up With the Saints?

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts as he comes off the field after a 28-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts as he comes off the field after a 28-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line during the second half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line during the second half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Control the Tempo

The Saints offense is still capable of putting up huge numbers despite the appearances of their 5-7 record, so this game will have its challenges. If the Bucs are going to keep pace, they have to control the tempo.

In order to do so, they have to do a much better job of establishing a run game than they have in recent weeks. With Jacquizz Rodgers reportedly seeing a bigger role and Doug Martin continuing to return to form, it’s on the Bucs OLine to control the line of scrimmage as well as time of possession.

The Saints’ run defense has seemed to improve recently and Martin still has not returned to his 2015 form but Quizz has run extremely well in Martin’s absence. The duo should prove to be extremely effective – much the same way Martin and Charles Sims were last season.

With a run game established, the pressure won’t be on Jameis Winston quite as much to go toe-to-toe with Brees while relying on weapons like Freddie Martino and Josh Huff.

James Yarcho