No. 7- Keith Tandy’s game-clinching interception vs. New Orleans
At the time, Tampa Bay’s 16-11 win over New Orleans on December 11 was a big one. It moved the Bucs to 8-5 ahead of a Sunday Night Football matchup in Dallas. Of course, they went on to lose two straight, while falling out of the playoff race in the process.
Even still, the week 14 win over the Saints was a big deal. It took a massive defensive effort to hold Drew Brees, and his team, without a touchdown. Mike Smith’s unit came up with three interceptions that afternoon, with the third coming from Keith Tandy to clinch the game:
Drew Brees is PICKED OFF...
— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2016
And that'll do it for the @TBBuccaneers. #NOvsTB https://t.co/K6gAYagwrD
Tandy, filling in for an injured Chris Conte, sealed Tampa Bay’s fifth straight victory. His pick on fourth and one sent Raymond James Stadium into a frenzy, as fans celebrated a home win over the division rival Saints. Just a week before, he picked off Philip Rivers late in the Bucs’ 28-21 win over the Chargers. So, the interception against New Orleans was his second straight game-saver, and it earned him Clutch Performer of the Week.
The Buccaneer defense had its ups and downs in 2016, but Tandy’s play in relief of Conte was a big bright spot.