5 biggest losers (and 3 surprise winners) from Bucs' pathetic loss to Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the New Orleans Saints 24-20 on Sunday, squandering a major opportunity in the NFC South title race.

With four games remaining, the Bucs are now tied atop the division with the Carolina Panthers at 7-6, and the teams will play each other twice in the final three weeks in matchups that will decide the division.

The loss was an embarassing one for Tampa Bay, and it feels like the lowest point of the season. Which Buccaneers were bright spots in the loss, and which ones delivered the most disappointing performances?

Winners and losers from Bucs' embarassing 24-20 loss to Saints

Loser: Emeka Egbuka

After an incredible start to his career where he felt like a shoe-in for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Egbuka has really slowed down in the second half of the season. Drops have been the biggest issue hindering him from reaching his full potential.

Egbuka had a bad drop last week against the Cardinals, and he had an even worse one today. Egbuka was wide open for what should've been a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter, but he dropped the pass and Tampa Bay had to settle for a field goal on the possession.

The Bucs need Egbuka to return to his peak form to finish off his rookie season, as they'll be counting on him as they make their playoff push.

Loser: Bucs’ 3rd down defense 

The Saints entered the game as one of the league’s worst third-down offenses, converting just 37.6% of the time. 

The Bucs allowed the Saints to convert 5-of-11 third downs for 45%. That included a 3rd-and-10 and a 3rd-and-8 in the fourth quarter on the Saints’ go-ahead touchdown drive. 

The Bucs defense lacks a killer instinct, and squandered multiple opportunities to get off the field when it mattered most. 

The team will need to do some serious soul searching, as they are now tied with the Carolina Panthers with four games remaining including two games against the Panthers to determine the NFC South title. If the defense plays like this, Carolina will snap the Bucs’ division title streak.

Winners: Bucs’ rushing offense 

The biggest bright spot of the loss was the offensive rushing attack. Tampa Bay rushed for 179 yards on 4.6 yards per carry.

Bucky Irving rushed for 55 yards, Rachaad White rushed for 53, and Sean Tucker rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown. Even Baker Mayfield got involved with 42 rushing yards of his own. 

There wasn’t much to be happy about for Tampa Bay on Sunday, but a strong running game like this could take them far and be a huge weapon in the coming weeks as they look to secure a playoff berth.

Loser: Bucs’ rushing defense 

Since Todd Bowles became the defensive coordinator in 2019, Tampa Bay has been known for a stout rushing defense.

In fact, in six of his seven seasons, the Bucs allowed under 100 rushing yards per game. Tampa Bay boasted a top-five rushing defense in five of those season, and the best rushing defense in the NFL twice. 

Despite being without Alvin Kamara Sunday, the Saints rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough continued to get away from the defense, rushing for 55 of those yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

That’s far from the standard they’re used to under Bowles, especially when New Orleans was without their No. 1 running back.

Winner: Vita Vea

Vea was the best player on defense on Sunday, making his presence felt despite constant double teams from the Saints’ offensive line.

Vea finished with 5 total tackles, including 2 tackles for a loss and a sack. He needs some help from the rest of the defensive front, but Vea continues to hold up his end of the bargain.

Loser: Lavonte David

David turned in a poor performance against the Saints, missing multiple tackles including on a crucial 3rd-and-8 that allowed the Saints to score the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The steady veteran leader that Tampa Bay has relied on for so long seems to be falling from grace in his 14th NFL season. The Bucs badly need better play at the linebacker position, but it feels unlikely at this point with their No. 1 option at the position being a 35-year-old David.

Winner: Chris Braswell

At long last, Braswell recorded his first sack of the season against the Saints.

The former second-round pick has been a huge disappointment, failing to live up to his premium draft status with only 2.5 career sacks so far. But he is still only 24 years old and in his second season.

Every positive play could be a building block towards increasing his confidence and helping him take the next step as a pro, so it’s great to see him making an impact.

Loser: Kam Johmson

Johnson caused an interception by giving up on his route on Tampa Bay's opening drive of the second half.

The Saints went on to score a go-ahead touchdown after the interception which proved to be the difference in a one-possesion game.

While Johnson primarily made the roster for special teams, he needs to be more reliable when being trusted in the receiving game. Giving up on his routes in crucial game situations and causing turnovers will make it hard for Mayfield to trust and build chemistry with him, and it will ultimately keep him off the field.