NFL Week 1 preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
By Rob Leeds
Both teams are well-known for their ability to pass the ball. Drew Brees is one of the most accurate quarterbacks playing today, and he has the receivers to make the most of his passes.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Michael Thomas was one of the best receivers in the NFL last season, and he is looking to build on a record-setting campaign. In addition to Thomas, the Saints also have tight end Jared Cook, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, and proficient pass-catching back Alvin Kamara.
The Saints have no shortage of dangerous weapons through the air, and the Buccaneer secondary will be pressed to keep up.
While the Saints’ passing offense is already scary, few teams in the league compare to the Buccaneers in that regard. Tom Brady put together an excellent training camp, and he is extremely close to Drew Brees on current talent level, assuming both are fully healthy.
The Buccaneer pass-catchers are where the team is truly defined. Tampa Bay has three great tight ends (O.J. Howard, Rob Gronkowski, and Cameron Brate), two stellar receivers (Chris Godwin and Mike Evans) and extra depth if Evans is hurt, and a stable of pass-catching backs as well.
The run games for both teams are mostly level, with a decent amount of star power on each side. The Saints get the slight advantage with Kamara playing at his current level, but the Bucs aren’t far behind with Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, and LeSean McCoy.
The last part of the offense is the line, and it is a similar story to the run game. The Saints have the advantage, but the Bucs are very close. If Tristan Wirfs and Donovan Smith play at a decent level, this could swing in the Bucs’ favor.