The Pewter Plank
FanSided

6 takeaways from Buccaneers win over Saints

By Ryan Doyle

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches the ball for a touchdown as Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches the ball for a touchdown as Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 9: Ted Ginn Jr. #19 of the New Orleans Saints catches a touchdown pass over Carlton Davis III #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 9: Ted Ginn Jr. #19 of the New Orleans Saints catches a touchdown pass over Carlton Davis III #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Secondary struggles continue

With Brent Grimes sidelined with a groin injury, rookie cornerback Carlton Davis needed to step up. Unfortunately, Davis went through some growing pains on Sunday as he let up an early touchdown to Michael Thomas.

The outside cornerbacks were picked apart by Brees. Ryan Smith made a nice play on special teams and was consistent in the tackling department, but he’s a complete liability in coverage.

M.J. Stewart also rotated on the outside, but after a strong preseason, he wasn’t able to carry over the momentum.

The lone bright spot for the secondary was a forced fumble by Vernon Hargreaves. Safety Justin Evans was able to scoop up the ball and spring to the end zone to slow down the New Orleans offense.

By the end of the game, Thomas came down with 16 catches for 180 yards. Absolute star performance from Thoams. Alvin Kamara had an equally impressive day. His 141 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns were among the week’s best performances.

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