Buccaneers vs. Saints: 3 keys to a victory for Tampa in the season opener

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 09: The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is lit up blue on April 09, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers /

2. Bend but don’t break defensively

We all know that the Saints have one of the most talented, high-powered offenses in the league and no defense is going to completely shut them down.

Drew Brees is still a top-10 quarterback. Michael Thomas is still one of the best wide receivers in the league. Alvin Kamara is one of the most explosive running backs in the league.

It’s not about locking them down. It’s about bending and not breaking.

Don’t give up huge 62-yard plays that result in quick touchdowns. Find ways to get off the field and preserve energy- especially by winning the third down battles. Don’t let them create a quick score right before halftime.

All of those things- and more- can be categorized as bending, but not breaking. That has to be the overarching key for the defense Sunday afternoon.

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