As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for another heated NFC South battle with the New Orleans Saints, the defense once again finds itself as the backbone of the team’s identity. Here’s how the Buccaneers’ defense can dictate the game on Sunday.
Disrupt Spencer Rattler’s Rhythm Early
The Saints have turned the page at quarterback, handing the offense to rookie Spencer Rattler, and the Buccaneers will look to make his day miserable. Rattler has flashed his athleticism and arm strength early in his career, but he’s also shown tendencies to hold the ball too long and make risky throws when pressured. Tampa Bay’s front seven, led by Vita Vea, YaYa Diaby, and exciting rookie Elijah Roberts, must collapse the pocket and force Rattler to process quickly. Expect Bowles to mix in disguised coverages and send blitzes from the second level with Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. The goal: make Rattler uncomfortable, deny him time to go through his reads, and capitalize on mistakes.
Shut Down the Saints’ Run Game
With a rookie quarterback at the helm, New Orleans will likely lean on its ground attack to stay balanced. Whether it’s Alvin Kamara still carrying the load or a rotation of younger backs, Tampa Bay must make the Saints one-dimensional. The formula is simple: win the line of scrimmage. Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis need to stay disciplined in their gap assignments, while the defensive line clogs interior lanes to prevent consistent yardage on first down. The Saints love using motion and misdirection to create running lanes, so the Bucs’ edge defenders, particularly Diaby and Anthony Nelson, who will be filling in for Reddick, must set a firm perimeter. Forcing the Saints into second- and third-and-long situations will open up Bowles’ full defensive playbook and allow the pass rush to feast.
Create Turnovers and Win Field Position
In what could be a physical, grind-it-out divisional matchup, turnovers might be the deciding factor. The Buccaneers’ defense has thrived in this area under Bowles, thanks to playmakers like Winfield Jr., Jacob Parrish, and Jamel Dean.
The message this week will be clear: attack the football. Expect the Bucs to emphasize strip attempts on tackles and aggressive jumps on intermediate routes, especially with Rattler still learning NFL coverages. A timely interception or fumble recovery could give Tampa Bay’s offense the short field it needs to produce points. And if this defense can add a score of its own? That could be the knockout punch.