5 hardest games on the 2020 NFL schedule for the Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
New Orleans Saints (Week 1)
The Saints have been the best team in the NFC South for several years now, and that seems unlikely to change just yet. Any game against New Orleans is challenging, but an away game for the Buccaneers against the Saints is that much harder to win.
The Saints are such a well-constructed team that even when their Hall of Fame starting quarterback goes down, they can still beat a team like Tampa Bay with their above-average backup.
From top to bottom, the Saints are one of the best teams in the NFL, and they lock up all of the crucial positions. Shutdown corner? Check. Dominant pass rusher? Check. Good offensive line? Check. New Orleans brings a wealth of talent to both sides of the ball at all of the keystone positions, and that’s not even to mention Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara.
Thomas was the best receiver in the NFL in 2019, leading the league in receiving yards and receptions despite playing with Drew Brees injured for five games. Teddy Bridgewater was the best backup quarterback in the league last season, but it was still an impressive feat for Thomas.
As for Alvin Kamara, the Buccaneer run defense is set to remain one of the best in the league for 2020, but it will still be difficult to shut Kamara down as a receiver.
To make matters worse, Sean Payton is one of the best coaches in the NFL and mixed with the other weapons on the Saints, this matchup is extremely tough for the Buccaneers, especially for the first game of the season.